She remembered eating burned toast and eggs in the morning. Mah laaj didn't know how to cook. All this time her Moray was the one who cooked for her. A tear escaped from her eyes without letting her know.

In 30 minutes Minhaaj cooked the best lasagna. The delicious aroma of it was all over the house.

Mah laaj glanced over her shoulder and saw Minhaaj settling the table.

Her belly was grumbling but as her ego was on the stake so she looked away.

She cursed her stomach under her breath and forced her head not to move in his direction.

On the other hand, Minhaaj's lips were set in a soft smile. He heard that sound from Mah laaj's belly.

He put down the dish on the table and ate it silently. Minhaaj didn't want to annoy her more.

After he finished eating it, he put the leftover in the refrigerator.

Minhaaj was edging towards the door of the washroom because the exhaustion from the work was crippling his body.

Hot water dews falling on his body make every muscle and tendon in his body lightened. 

He was feeling fresh. Minhaaj thought he would sleep tight tonight but he didn't know that today's night would be the most annoying night of his whole life.

Mah laaj was constantly changing the channel as she didn't know what else to do. The sound of the shower startled her.

When did this idiot go from here? She glanced back towards the half-wide room door then she shrugged thinking it was not her concern whether he take shower or do whatever was in there.

Short back, her stomach groans again. She stares at it, touched it with a sigh, and moved her gaze to the ceiling.

Allah Pak, what kind of husband you have given me who does not care about whether I have eaten or not? I used to think that he was a silent observer, that he may be silent in front of us, but he will love his wife very much, but this is the opposite of what I think. She complained in mumbled voice.

Mah laaj stood up and walked towards the refrigerator to see if after whining, Allah has put something in it except fruits but she came there to disappoint herself more.

The empty fridge was mocking her.

She tried to find the bowl of lasagna too but there was nothing.

Airhead, birdbrain, bonehead, dim bulb.....

and many more names were given to Minhaaj.

She came back to the sofa like she never left.

Minhaaj came out of the room in a black T-shirt and a grey touser on his torso. His wet hair was sitting on his forehead, his scythe-shaped brows, and dews on his red angular cheekbones carved down towards a flinty jaw were looking breathtaking.

Mah laaj was gawking him from head to toe. She gulped down the saliva that was building up.

Minhaaj caught her peeping so in response he cocked his one brow like asking "What are you looking at?" with a smirk on his perfect face.

He thought Mah laaj would shift her gaze but she was Mah laaj Khan.

She examined him from top to bottom and shake her head in denial with a heart-burning grin flashing at him.

Not my type! She mumbled high enough to his ear, changed the direction of her gaze even though her heart was saying "No",  and edged towards the room.

She closed the door behind her and fell as her feet lost their strength in them. All the blood rushed towards her face.

Astagfirullah! Astagfirullah!....

She was constantly fanning her face and saying it as if drooling over him was a sin.

Whereas Minhaaj stood there like a stone. He didn't move an inch. All his muscles and tendon soften instantly and a soft smile appears on his heart-shaped lips.

She is getting brave Minhaaj. He tilt his head a lil and murmured to himself.

He switched off the lights as he likes to sleep in the dark and settled down on the sofa on which Mah laaj left her warmth.

The heater was on, he was lying down with one hand under his head and was looking at an invisible dot.

Mah laaj was just visibly there near him, and he forgot all the stress of his mission. She was always a serotonin booster for him. Her presence was enough to fill the black holes. She completes him in a strange way.

Minhaaj was half asleep when he felt a hand coming in his direction. He grabbed it and pushed the body down on the sofa while standing on the top.

Who are you? And how do you know I am here? He whisper-shouted in enrage and tried to stare at the face in the dark.

That person tried to fight back but he tightened the grip on the hand.

Don't move or else you won't be going out alive. Minhaaj voice sent a shiver to that person's spine.

A pause came in between.

Minhaaj... you're hurting me. A muffled voice came.

Mah laaj! He bent down to face her in disbelief and blinked as now he could clearly see her face.

Mah laaj bottled up all the oxygen as Minhaaj was so close to her that she could feel his mint breath over her face.

He stood up from her in haste when he saw crystals building up in her eyes. She also managed to control her traitor heart which was racing like a horse a second ago.

She thanked Allah as Minhaaj couldn't see her flushed face.

Both were sitting apart in the dark with uncontrollable heartbeats and a small distance between them. The silence was talking until one of them spoke up.

Why did you come here Mah laaj? Is something wrong? He asked with concern in his voice.

I-I...

She was struggling to find the right words to explain.

I--- What Mah laaj? She could hear the annoyance in his tone.

She stood up without saying and was about to amble back to the room when Minhaaj softly grabbed her wrist and stopped her.

I am sorry. He said with a hoarse voice.

Now tell me what's wrong. He asked calmly this time.

I-I think someone is in my room. She looked terrified when she said it.

Hearing these words alarmed his sixth sense. He patted the back of her hand and just walked straight to her room. Mah laaj also followed him into the room.

In just one glance he could tell there was nothing. There was no presence of human heat there.

He swirled on his toes and his gaze stuck on Mah laaj. She was looking like a lost puppy. A corner of his lips stretched up but it vanished in a second too.

Where was the voice coming from? He asked without any emotion in his tone.

She looked up with wet lashes. Those long black lashes with almond shape eyes were enough for Minhaaj to fall to his knees. That's the kind of power she holds.

She pointed towards the window and Minhaaj followed her hand direction.

He looked out from the window but there was nothing except silence.

There is nothing out here Mah laaj. You must have been dreaming. He said it emotionlessly.

All the tiredness was hitting him hard.

No! I clearly heard the weird sound. Do you think I am lying? I am making this up so that you could stay with me. Mah laaj asked in anger and tried to find the trace of amusement on his face.

Don't put the words in my mou-

She interrupted him.

You brought me here without my consent. You left me here in this room without giving any explanation. You came back looking like coming out of the saloon. You didn't ask whether I have eaten anything since morning and got the audacity to ask "Have you made dinner?". And now that I am compromising with other things, you left me in a room with ghosts. I am telling you I am not going to sleep in this room unless you check everything and find out where the problem lies.

She was gasping for air and didn't know that she complained in the flow.

Minhaaj sighed, examined the whole room, and finally found that it was that damn window. The enemy of his sleep was right there. His body urged him to break that window but he calm down his nerve by clenching and unclenching his fist.

This is your ghost. He pointed towards the window screw which was on the loose.

Mah laaj didn't feel an ounce of embarrassment this time.

Now go and sleep. I am already really tired.

He yawned and edged towards the door but Mah laaj grabbed his shirt from behind which startled him.

He glanced back over his shoulder and saw Mah laaj grinning from ear to ear. He could see the lil devil in her screaming for fun.

No! He protested.

Yes! She beamed.

Mah laaj I will fix it in the morning. Please......

No! Fix it now! She ordered like a queen.

Minhaaj spared some words for his Chief under his breath and moved ahead in anger. Because the army told him that they shouldn't be living in luxury when they are undercover.

It took him 3 hours to fix everything in the room as per the orders of Mah laaj.

For some time it felt like the old Mahi and Minu were there. For a brief moment, everything was fine. Like they were a happy ordinary couple bickering at night.

Minhaaj went back to the sofa to sleep whereas Mah laaj was walking restlessly in the room because she was still scared. And her stomach was giving up on her. She knew she won't be sleeping tonight so she pooped her head out from behind the door and tried to find whether Minhaaj was asleep or not.

A moment passed and it gave her the courage to walk out. By tip-toeing, she stopped near his sofa. She poked his shoulder and Minhaaj groaned.

Mah laaj Khan! I am telling you, leave me alone, or else the consequences would be bad.

He turned to the opposite and said it without snapping his lid up.

She didn't utter a word but the stomach which was protesting for a while silently finally spoke up.

Her hands reacted to the voice and Minhaaj's heart too. Straight off that moment, he remember the complaints she had about food. 

He stood up from his lying down position and now his back was resting against the sofa

Lasagna is in the upper fridge. I will heat it up. Go and wait at the table. He edges towards the kitchen whereas Mah laaj was sitting on the chair with excitement.

Finally a proper meal of the day.

While heating it Minhaaj peeped from the corner of his eye towards Mah laaj.

How would this girl survive in this world? She can't even cook. If I wasn't here, she would be gone on a hunger strike. I think my dream of getting warm food from my wife shattered right in front of my eyes. Minhaaj contemplated in his mind and shook his head in denial.

The beeping sound of the microwave shouted from behind his back and break the train of his thoughts.

He took out lasagna on the plate and passed it to Mah laaj.

Mah laaj was eating wholeheartedly. On the other hand, Minhaaj's elbow was resting on the table and he dropped his face on his palm while staring at her with affection.

Even his face doesn't speak up about the love he has for her but his blue orbs, show the emotions he was always putting down in that dark hole.

And that's how they spend the rest of the night. Cooking, working, eating, and talking.

The silence between them talks more than their actual lips. They would never show their vulnerable side to each other but somehow they ended up showing their soft side quietly. So quietly that even they themselves don't know about it.
_____________

Back to the Penthouse

Hania couldn't sleep much like always. She was up till 6 AM and now at 9 AM Dadi Jaan was banging at her door to open it.

Hania with heavy steps unlocked the door and went back to the bed. She was lying down exhausted.

Hania beta ae you alright? Dadi Jaan asked with warmness in her voice.

G Dadi Jaan I am alright. Just jetlag from the traveling. Hania closed her eyes and saw the happy faces of her parents.

She always planned the trips and her parents will always cancel them at the last moment. Desi family things! But she never felt disappointed or regretted it until now. How she wished that she could turn back time and become stubborn to go to the places like this with her family. How if she didn't waste her time on her studies and give more time to her family, she wouldn't be here regretting it. And if she didn't become a doctor her family would be here with her. But she learned a lesson that even a single choice could turn your life upside down. Never leave your family to the future. You never know when they were taking their last breath.

Dadi Jaan was continuously talking but she didn't hear a single word.

I think you should sleep more Hania. I will tell Izza we could go to the new mall tomorrow. 

Dadi Jaan spewed it out and turn back to leave when Hania spoke up.

I am coming downstairs, Dado. You have 10 minutes to get ready. We are going to the mall. Let's enjoy this trip to the fullest.

An alluring smile was playing on her beautiful lips.

Dadi Jaan nodded and walked out of the room. She hurriedly went inside Izza's room without knocking at the door.

She was slipping into her top and the sudden barge in her room startled her really bad. She almost shouted her lungs out and fell.

Izza beta make a plan. We have to go to the mall.  After lots of attempts, Hania is ready to go out in public and enjoy herself a lil. Dadi Jaan was talking non-stop without staring at her and she entered her room at the wrong time.

When Dadi Jaan didn't hear Izza she looked up and saw her fighting with her top. She sighed and ambled towards her. Within a second she was out of the struggle with the help of Dadi Jaan.

Now that you are done playing with your clothes can you help me out here? We have a big problem. Dadi Jaan looked at her with hope in her eyes.

I have my plans dadi jaan. I am sorry I can't help you today. She really felt apologetic because today she was going to the airport to spy on the arrival of Asad and his dogs. The flight was at 2 PM.

What a strange girl you are. Girls die for shopping, and you are the only one who does not care. If you don't have money don't worry.

Dadi Jaan paused and looked at both sides and then showed her the secret bag.

I have lots of money. Just think of it as a treat by me. Dadi Jaan tried to bribe her as every desi grandma would do, to which Izza wanted to kiss her cheeks so badly. 

Dadi Jaan looked so adorable but Izza's duty comes first.

She calculated the timing and then glance at her phone. She was grinning from ear to ear now. A goat came into her mind who would do this job perfectly.

When Dadi Jaan saw no response she finally threw her weapon away.

Just take us to any nearby mall and leave us saying that you have to attend a call. Then go wherever you want. Dadi Jaan gave her the solution with a heavy heart. She really liked the company of Izza.

Dadi Jaan I could spare 1 hour for you then I have to meet my friends. So I will leave as you said. Done? Izza stretches her palm in front of her which Dad Jaan slaps back with a giant smile.

Done!

Soon they went out to Forum Istanbul Alisveris Merkezi mall.  Izza left a message for Hanan.

Your wife is ready for shopping. Come out with your credit cards. A smiley emoji in the end.

Ahan! Send me the location. I will be there. Hanan hurriedly replied and ran towards the washroom to shower.

___________

In the mall

Hania was keeping her distance from the people and was trying her best to avoid direct contact with anyone.

Dadi Jaan was walking along with her in her green shalwar kameez on which a beautiful light embroidery was done.

Hania who only came out because of Dadi Jaan's happiness started to doubt her choice. 

Izza after seeing Hanan entering the shop left saying she has to attend an important call.

Dadi Jaan told Hania that she would be sitting on the sofa and she could buy anything she want as she would be paying. So Hania left her there and started to look around. The clothes in the shops were attracting her.

Hania was looking at the western frocks section when the male staff of that shop came forward with a professional smile.

Sana bir konuda yardımcı olabilir miyim anne? (can I help you with something mam?) The helper asked politely.

Hania's hand shivered just by his presence. She couldn't even move an inch. She was standing there like a statue.

The helper started to explain what kind of colors would suit her in his Turkish language and choose some dresses to try on.

I-I....

She tried to explain that she didn't understand a thing what he is saying but the words broke in her mouth.

When she didn't reply the helper examined her from head to toe. A sly grin came on his face and this sent a shiver to her spine.

Hania felt like someone was stabbing her body with a bundle of needles.  She remembers that smile. The smile that she did not understand at that time had a hand in ruining her. She was about to go into a panic state when she heard a familiar voice.

Ona bir daha bakarsan yüzünü kırarım. (I will break your face if you look at her again.)

A calm voice came from behind her.

The helper got flabbergasted by the appearance of a 6 ft tall man behind the innocent duckling.

Efendim, ben sadece onu- (Sir, I was just trying to he-)

The helper tried to explain but zipped up his mouth when he saw the death stare from Hanan.

He went back to his place whereas Hania was shivering badly.

Miss Hania what a pleasant surprise. It's nice to see you here. Hanan uttered like this was the first time he saw her here.

Hania was trying to hold back the tears that were ready to come out at any minute. She glanced at him with emotions of baffled and happiness.

Don't worry that guy won't come back and I think red would suit you better than the blue one. These days the helpers don't give the right pieces of advice. Sigh!

He changed her thoughts in such a way that she let out a soft chuckle even though her heart was racing so fast.

His presence was always a blessing for her.
When Dadi Jann saw Shehreyaar standing with Hania her feet took her near to them at no time.

Shehreyaar beta! Dadi Jaan called his name with half excitement and half shock.

To be continued.....

So guys I am back with another chapter for y'all 😍 I hope you love the lil romance I have given to y'all 🙈

Did you love the bickering of our Mahi and minu?

Were you guys expecting some enemy in Mah laaj's room? 🤭

I think Minhaaj have never slept around Mah laaj in my whole story.  😂 poor minu 🤭🥹

When Hanan came to protect our Hania what was your reaction?

I hope you guys give this chapter a lot of love by commenting and voting. ❤️

Motivate me to write this story to the fullest guys. 🥹❤️

I love y'all and bye-bye. ❤️