Tahira and Abhinav managed to fool Babita about her conversion. She had, supposedly, taken place of Anahita Devi as the matriarch of the Singhaniya household, but she wasn't as smart as her. Nor people cared much around in the house, anymore, to challenge her.

Tahira was given the guest room until she and Abhinav were married. Anshuman was with his grandparents. Aryaman was delighted to have him, and Babita was over the moon. At the same time, he was disturbed thinking about Adweta and Minal, they deserved better. Minal and Abhinav's divorce was almost settled, and Aryaman had personally requested her to not take up any case against Abhinav. Thankfully, to the Singhaniya family, Minal agreed. There was that guilt as well for Aryaman. Besides all this, his mother's secret was bothering him even more.

As Tahira prepared to sleep, there was a knock at her door. She quickly adjusted her dupatta and answered the door. Abhinav entered and quickly shut the door. He had something with him.

"Ji, Aap?"

Abhinav nodded. He paused, admiring her beauty, and smiled to himself. He felt so lucky to meet his lover freely, without any chains and guilt.

Tahira blushed, lowering her gaze.

"What are you doing here? If someone sees—"

Abhinav quieted her by placing a finger on her lips. Her eyes widened, she turned away, but he held her hand.

"I have something for the love of my life." He guided her to the dressing table and made her sit, facing the mirror.

Abhinav pulled out a red box and opened it. She gasped upon seeing the diamond jewelry set.

"For you." He kissed her cheeks.

"Abhinav, why? I have told you so many times that I don't want all this."- she held his hand, - "I just want you."

He kissed her forehead, - "You are getting me, my darling. All of me, forever." He confessed and revealed to her how their marriage will be happening soon after she gives birth, as a pregnant woman can't marry. Tahira stood up and hugged him, though her pregnant belly was a hindrance, neither of them cared. She assured him that she will wait, she can wait for him forever, for eternity.

"Our love doesn't need society approval nor marriage contract. Our love is divine, it's real." She said with pride. Abhinav tightened his grasp on her palms and subtly nodded.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

The next morning, Abhinav was awoken by loud voices coming from downstairs. He turned his head to the other side of the bed and sighed, finding Anshuman fast asleep next to him.
"What the hell is happening?" He tied his nightrobe and marched out of the room.

In the hall, there were a few unknown people. Some men wore Kurtha and shirts while the women wore salwar kameez with a dupatta over their heads. Babita was evidently annoyed, but Aryaman was calmly talking to them. There was Tahira as well.

"Who are these people?" Abhinav roared.

Aryaman cleared this throat, - "Um, beta. These are Tahira's relatives. They have come here for the Roka ceremony."

Abhinav's body posture and mood improved. Tahira was smiling and her family members seemed happy. This was a miracle no doubt, but he was pleased. Now, there will be no obstacles in their marriage. There should have been suspicion though.

Anaisha buttoned up her pink satin shirt and ironed her black pencil skirt with her palms. She looked at her reflection and smiled, combing her freshly straightened hair.

Hasan packed his bag and searched for his glasses. Just as he wore them, Anaisha casually walked out of the room.

"Wow!"

She looked up, confused. He came to her, and held her shoulder, - "How do you do this?"
"What?" She replied softly, tugging her hair behind her ear.

Hasan tilted his head a little, staring lovingly at her, - "Manage to look amazing in Indian and western look, both." He leaned and kissed the side of her head.

Anaisha closed her eyes. He then kissed her cheek, but she shyly pushed him away, - "I will make breakfast."

Hasan doesn't resist and let her into the kitchen. As she prepared cereals, he came behind her and held shoulders.

"Smells delicious." He chuckled.

"Shut up, it is just cereal."

Hasan leaned closer to her ear, - "Who said anything about cereals." He inhaled her scent and she shivered.

"Don't entice me." Anaisha tried to ignore the tingling sensation in the bottom of her stomach.

"Hmm, Am I?" He slid his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. She inhaled sharply, closing her eyes.

Anaisha tilted her head, and they shared a look. Before they could kiss, there was a doorbell.

Hasan sighed, moving his hands away. Her involuntary groan gets unnoticed. He casually walks up to the door, assuming it to be newspaper or milk man. Instead, he was greeted by Yuvaan flashing his arrogant smile. He rudely pushed past him and walked into the apartment as though he owned the place. Hasan felt strong resentment with this man.

Anaisha adjusted her dress and flipped her hair to the side as she came out from the kitchen.

"Good morning." Yuvaan greeted her with open arms. Anaisha stopped in her tracks.

"Oh, Hi, Yuvaan." She smiled, waving at him. This further annoyed Hasan. He mumbled his leave and shut the door behind him.

"Hey, Hasan, Breakfast." Anaisha called after him, but he was gone already.

Anyway, Yuvaan acted like he didn't exist, - "Anaisha, baby—"

"What is this cringe, Yuvaan." She shrugged, as he walked with open arms, but she stopped him by her palm.

Yuvaan sighed, rolling his eyes, - "Anaisha I am not here to trouble you. May I hug you."

"No!"

"May I drop you to your destination."

"No, I drive my own car." Anaisha replied casually, placing the strap of her handbag on her shoulder.

"Looks like, you haven't truly accepted my friendship. I am a very bad person, but please give me another chance. A chance as your friend."

Anaisha sighed, - "Stop, being melodramatic a**. Okay, meet me at Bombay coffee house around 6." She smiled a little.

Yuvaan's forty-volt smile returned to his face and nodded vehemently. He gestured her to walk first and then followed her.

Anaisha finished her interview and was very much confident she will bag the job. But this time, she should try not being arrogant. This time, the boss was a gentleman, he deserves respect.

As she exited the company, she receives a call from her father. He wanted to talk, so she asked him to meet her at Bombay Café as well. Honestly, she didn't want to go to Singhaniya Villa. Looking at Abhinav and Tahira will just boil her blood.

Anaisha leaned back, tapping her fingernails on the table. A waiter arrived with her black tea and placed it next to her hand. Just as she brought the cup to her lips, she saw Aryaman wheeled into the café by his attendant. She didn't want to trouble her handicapped father, but avoiding certain people is for betterment of hers and them.

The butler stood far for them, giving them privacy. Anaisha called the waiter. Watching her made Aryaman feel pleasant. His daughter has grown into a confident woman and seeing the caring side of her, made him feel emotional. He wished Kairavi could see how wonderfully their daughter had grown.

"What shall I get for you?" Anaisha's voice broke his thoughts. He was taken aback by her question. They had never cordially talked to each other, though he had tried.

"I will get normal tea and some biscuits." He said to the young man, who nodded taking down notes and then twirled around.

There was silence, Aryaman admired his daughter for a moment while she avoided looking at him.

He sighed, shifting in his place, - "Beta, I know you hate me. And I don't blame you, I deserve this after whatever I did. I was a coward and that costed so many lives."- His voice wavered, he reached out for her hand. Anaisha doesn't move back as he softly held her hand.

"I want to apologize to you and your aunt. There isn't a moment I have not apologized to Kairavi. Truth is that I love her, and still do. It is so strange, but even though we couldn't marry and have the "happy ever after" I love her. Every breath I take, I take her name. I just—"

Anaisha breathed out, shifting in her place, - "Have you called me for this?"

Aryaman's face fell, he gently shook his head, - "I called you because Masa's belonging is disturbing my peace. I want to know who this man is, to whom she was sending letters to. What bothers me the most is, what if Masa was having an affair. The dates on the letters are also in Urdu."

Anaisha stiffened, - "Cheating runs in the blood then."- she scoffed, placing her hands on the table, - "No offense, Aryaman Singhaniya. In the age of internet, why do you need my help."

Aryaman's order arrived, he accepted it gracefully and waited till the waiter was out of earshot, - "Because the letters are too many. If those are translated, I think that will be enough to find out. Hasan, your husband, he must be knowing the language."

"He just told me the name is Barrister Asif Rahman Khan. I don't know more than that. He refuses to tell me. And decoding Urdu isn't difficult."

"But I don't want the world to know. If Hasan translates, the matter will be between us."

Aryaman was impatient now. Anaisha looked away from him and noticed Yuvaan walk in. She knew he will over-act upon knowing her father was here. And she was right. He began buttering him as soon as they met. Aryaman wasn't much interested in him. Yuvaan took a seat and pestered them until Anaisha lost her cool and she blurted out the truth. Aryaman was shocked, then he face-palmed.

"Don't worry, sir. I will take your secret to my grave. Also, I will find out everything, I have many sources all over the world. But don't worry, everything will be under wraps. I won't let anyone let this out. You can trust me." He said, looking confident AF.

Anaisha rolled her eyes but doesn't say anything. Aryaman's eyes twinkled and restlessly shifted in his place. Yuvaan leaned in his seat and asked for some time for the research.

How was the Chapter, my lovelies? Drop your thoughts in the comments and Stay Tuned for the next update *Hugs and Kisses* *Lots of Love*