I did it. You asked for it and I delivered as promised. 💁‍♀️

9k+ words takes time and my assignment deadlines only put a slight delay. But as long as I can publish it before I went away for a while.

Enjoy!

****

This cannot be happening.

She cannot appear in front of him again when he did everything to avoid her.

He knows for a fact that she is the most involved in their family because she is the daughter of her mother's sister.

Mahak.

He can say that name over and over again and not get tired. The last he saw her was when she turned 18 and she was just a pretty little girl to him.

Not exactly.

She used to be a pretty little girl he used to tease until he saw her after a year at her birthday party and she didn't just look like she is a little girl.

He has to say looking at her now when she is 20, he is sure that she is not even a young girl, she has blossomed into a beautiful woman.

His heartache.

She shouldn't have appeared in front of him after he just started to move away from the pain that she caused. The pain she caused was unknown to her and only his brothers (except Latif) knows about it.

He went towards his room banging the room door shut as he slides down against it holding his head. He feels his head ready to explode from all the thinking and the images of her in tonight dress keeps haunting him.

"How long before your studies end?". His mother asks her as she sits with them at their table in his brothers weddings

She smiles, "A few more years. You know being a doctor takes a while".

"I can imagine". His mother said patting her head, "How is it that you have grown into such a beautiful woman in such a small time?".

She laughs, "I am still the same, Khala (aunt)".

"Not really". His father said softly, "You have grown into an amazing child".

"Which is why can I speak to you for a moment?" Her father asked his father who nodded as they leave the table

She frowns because she has no idea as to why her father took his father away. She continued to speak to all of his family members and introducing herself to the new addition.

"We should leave now". Her father said holding her hand as they stand to say their goodbyes

"Come visit us some time". His mother said as tears brimmed her eyes

"We will". She said softly as she knows how hard it is for his mother

The next day, he walks out of his room to the dining table where everyone was enjoying themselves with their wives and he is the only one who is left alone.

He sighs.

"Can I speak to all of you after breakfast?" His father asked looking at all of his sons

They nodded.

Once the breakfast was done he walks with his brothers to his father office feeling giddiness which worsens his anxiety.

This is not going to be good.

"I will get straight to the point since I am very busy". His father said

"Watching the latest episodes of shows". Raza mumbles to his brothers

"Mahak is going to live with us until her studies end". His father dropped the bomb and his face pale

"What? Why?" He asked and his voice was the loudest while everyone turns to look at him

"You have a problem with it?" His father asked raising his eyebrows and he gulped shaking his head, "Good. I wasn't asking you, I was simply informing. One of you has to go and bring her here tonight at 7 PM".

"I have to take my wife out". All his brother said at the same time

"That leaves Imran". His father said shrugging as he opens his laptop plugging in the headphones, "Be sure to reach there at 6 PM".

He clenches his hand walking out of the room in hurried steps before he goes on and confesses everything.

Is life playing him? Is this a joke? Does she know how he feels? Is this some revenge? 

He has no idea what this is all about and he will be doomed is all he knows.

"Why do I have to go live with them? You know they all have their families to take care of". She whined looking at her father who looks worried for a while now, "Who will take care of you if I am not here?"

"I can take care of myself". Her father said sighing, "Please don't stress me more. Just leave when he comes here to pick you".

She nodded meekly not wanting to worry him, "But you have to call me every day and tell me everything you did. And the medicine I will arrange them for you so you cannot skip any of them".

Her father nodded absent-minded and she looks at him for a long time before heading to her room to pack her things.

Her mother is no more.

She died a little after a few days she turned 18 and she still remembers the horror of that day. It hasn't been long since she died and the pain lingers in her heart every day and every step she takes. At the age of 18, she had to take care of her studies, house and her father health and that took a toll on her life.

Her father never allowed her to skip her studies no matter what and immediately after her results, he enrolled her in what she wanted to be. She was glad her father didn't let her take a break because then she would have broken down.

By learning to save a life, she feels closer to her mother.

She smiles taking the frame of her parents placing it in her luggage. She prepares just a single bag with her things and her books in another one. She went to prepare food for her father as she places everything on the table when the doorbell rings.

She looks at the time and it is 6 PM so she went back to her room, changing into different clothes after taking a quick shower. She wears a soft pink traditional dress as she starts to carry her bag out of her room. She bumped into someone making her stumble a little as she looks at the man in front of her.

Imran.

"You are here?" She asked confused

"Why? You wanted someone else?" He asked rolling his eyes, "Baba never told me you were choosing which one of us you wanted at your service".

"You are so bitter". She commented as she blinks her eyes trying to believe if he is actually acting this cold to her

"It is because of you".

"I never did anything".

"You don't have to".

"What is that supposed to mean?" She asked frustrated, "If this is how you are going to behave, I don't want to go with you".

"You don't have a choice, princess".

She narrows her eyes at him, "Don't call me that".

"Or what? You are going to shoot me with laser beams?. He asked raising his eyebrows

"I don't like you anymore".

"So you liked me before?"

"No".

His heart clench as he moves her aside taking her bags and leaving her behind. She looks at him confused as he suddenly went mute. She holds her bag heading downstairs knowing she has no choice but to leave with him.

She bids her father with a long list of things that he needs to do, entering in his luxurious car. She knows they are all loaded and she has seen it since she was young so it doesn't amaze her.

Her family is middle class and she loves it. At least they were a happy family three years ago.

She sighs.

She looks out of the window to the familiar road passing by and soon enough she found herself on the road to his mansion.

"Do you have any idea why you are camping at our house?" His voice broke her chain of thoughts

She shakes her head, "Baba was persistent when I said I don't want to leave".

"Why? Our house is not to your level?"

She took a deep breath to not slap his head reminding herself that he is older than her.

"No! Because I don't wish to leave Baba alone". She said as her voice wary because she already misses him, "Don't talk to me if you can't speak nicely".

He tightened his hand on the steering wheel as they start to turn white. He didn't want to hurt her, he just can't seem to control his emotions. He cannot help but cast a secret glance at her face and wish to hear her sweet voice. He just doesn't know if he wants to continue doing this or not.

He is a mess.

Soon the mansion appears and a smile appears on her face. She loves this place.

"You look happy". He said as he takes her luggage out urging her to move towards the door

"Of course! Do you know how long it's been since I last came here?" She said excitedly

He shakes his head, "Three years, 3 months, 8 hours and 25 seconds".

He knows too well and she has no idea. He watches her giggling as soon as she meets his family members who embrace her with open hands. Maybe he should have been nice to her and she would have smiled like that with him?

He takes her bags to her room because there is only one guest room now that the house is filled with more peoples.

Once he placed the bags he turns around to find his older brother already knowing where this is going.

"Are you ok?" Hadi asked concerned

He nodded smiling, "I am fine, bhai (brother)".

"Don't lie to me". Hadi said strictly holding his shoulder, "If you want we can handle everything else. You don't have to be there".

He shakes his head, "No. You all have families. I don't want to take you away from them because of such a small issue".

"Imran". Hadi said sighing, "You are our brother. We can do it for you".

"I will tell you if I need help, I promise". He said nodding, "We should head back. It's dinner time".

Hadi nodded following behind him while he hides his aching heart behind his cold face. He sits at the dining table as everyone makes her eat food for at least ten people and she happily chatters with them.

She went back to her room to place her things in the closet. Once she was done she looks at her friend message for the assignment due tomorrow and she starts to work on it.

He didn't sleep at all.

He has been lying in his bed wide awake knowing the woman he wants is just a few doors away from him. His heart doesn't allow him the luxury to rest and he knows these are going to be long days.

The next day she looks at the brothers thinking who she can possibly ask to drop her at university. Everyone was taking their wives to work and she steps towards the easiest one to talk to them.

Latif.

He was busy with his wife who was giggling and blushing and she stands there thinking of ways to talk to him. After she saw his wife going to their room she steps towards him.

"Can you please drop me off?" She asked politely

"Sure". Latif said grinning as he looks at his wife coming down and she can see the love shining in his eyes as he went forward holding his wife hand turning to her, "Let's go".

She nodded smiling as she went towards his car entering inside. She looks through her emails to be sure she didn't miss any email from her lecturer.

"We are here". Latif said turning to her, "You will be late if you don't go now". She nodded holding her bag, "I would have said to enjoy your day but who in the world could enjoy studying?"

She chuckles when his wife hits his arms making him wince.

"I will try my best to enjoy". She said smiling as she leaves his car

He looks around to the empty house beside his mother who was playing with Hadi child.

"Where is Mahak?" He asked confused as he sits on the couch

"She left". His mother said looking at him

"With who?".

"Latif".

He clenches his jaw as a dry laugh leaves his lips.

He dials his brother's number, "Did you drop her off?"

"Yes, I did. Just a few minutes ago. Why?" Latif said confused

"Nothing. Next time, don't do it".

"Why not? And she asked me to".

"I will drop her. Even if she asks you, don't do it".

He ended the call without waiting for the reply as he feels anger rising in him. He knows she wouldn't have chosen him for obvious reasons but he still wanted her to choose him.

He sighs.

She looks around her for the millionth time because she feels like someone is looking at her throughout the classes. She stayed in the crowd just in case her sixth sense is right but it scares her.

She starts to head out of the university as she reaches the gate she frowns when she finds a familiar car parked on the side. She heard the girls around her whispering about someone until she finds him walking towards her.

It all took a moment as he walks towards her and she feels her heart starting to beat rapidly. His eyes were covered by his sunglasses and the expensive suit only made him stand out. But, she knows too well that he is handsome in anything he wears.

Why is he here? Why are these girls acting like this?

He stops in front of her removing his glasses when she finds multiple stares burning in her back, "Would princess sit in the car by herself or do I need to send an invitation?"

"Why are you here?" She said taking a long stride to enter his car to escape from the prying eyes which are not entirely true she wanted him away from those eyes

"Why do you want Latif to pick you?" He asked shutting the car door extra hard startling her

"Why would I ask him?"

"You tell me. Why did you go with him in the morning?"

"Who was I supposed to go with?"

He groans, "Me. You were supposed to ask me, not him".

"I thought you didn't like me especially that I am living in your house". She uttered honestly

His heart stilled as he mumbles, "I wish that was true".

She didn't say anything as the car stops after a while. She looks at her favourite Icecream shop and back at him who was for the first time smiling.

"Go and pick your favourite". He said softly and she grins at him running inside the shop

He chuckles because he always adores her actions. He knows if he were to become the old him, he will suffer another heartbreak soon enough. He cannot help himself, it wasn't in him to watch her become conscious of him. That she thinks she did something wrong that he didn't like her anymore.

Even if it cost his heart to open his still-healing wound to bleed, so be it. He isn't allowing this beautiful woman to doubt herself. She is too young to have such doubts, for a fact she shouldn't ever have doubts. She is the most amazing person he had known.

It all happened in a minute.

He entered inside the store with a stupid grin on his face which fell instantly as the scene he witnessed. His usual calm eyes filled with rage and he didn't even think before he pounces on the man beside her.

He continued to punch him thinking how he was leaning on her while she was trying her best to not cry at the obvious harassment.

He was pulled away by men and he didn't stop until she called his name. He turned around to see her tear-streaked face which clenched his heart. He turned to the man holding him by his collar bringing him closer to her.

"Do you trust me?" He asked as his eyes softened looking at her timidly nodding, "Punch him with all your strength and anger".

He knows bruising a man ego when he was punched or slap by a woman did wonder. He couldn't imagine how filth such as this man was born. Innocent woman suffers because of them and they lose their smile, happiness, freedom and whatnot.

She didn't even hesitate at his words as she fists her hand remembering how horrified she felt when the man wouldn't stop touching her inappropriately.

She punched him.

She wince when the pain course through her but not having him, she kicked him where the sun doesn't shine and when the man rolled in pain was when she was satisfied.

"I hope you remember this pain and understand just how bad women feel when bastard like you harass them". He said throwing the last punch as he saw the man fell unconscious

Pathetic.

He turns to her, wanting to reach out and wipes her tears away. To hold her hand desperately, to feel her close to him so his heart knows she was safe. To give her his comfort in return for her to know she doesn't have to kill her joy for scum like these.

"Today is the worst day". She cried harder

He frowns, "Did something else happened?"

He didn't wish to speak to her when everyone was looking at them so he ordered her favourite (he obviously know her favourite flavour even the additional toppings) asking her to come with him to his car.

She followed behind him as they enter the car and he passed her a water bottle turning to her on his seat as he watches her trying to hold back from crying.

His eyes look at him concerned, "You can cry, Mahak".

His soft voice broke something within her and she breaks down crying. She places her face in her hands crying.

"Why did Baba send me here?" She cried, "I want to be with him".

He knows that she lost her mother and she fears that she won't have many days with her father. Even he doesn't understand the reason for her father sending her here. He is 100% sure his father never let her out of his sight so what changed?

"Did something happened?" He inquired gently as her cries turned to hiccups and he passes her a tissue

She takes the tissue gratefully, "I don't know but I felt unsafe in university today".

"Why?"

She didn't miss the underlying dark tone in his voice which unconsciously made her shiver.

"I don't know," She said helpless and tired of all these emotions

"Mahak". He said stern as she turns to look at a murderous look on his face, "Please, you have to be specific. I don't wish any harm to come to you. But for me to understand the gravity of this situation, you need to help me. Please?"

She took a deep breath trying to explain to him the moments she felt unsafe. She watched his calculating gaze as he looks ahead after hearing her words.

"Are you sure nothing unexpected happened in these few days, weeks or month? Some meetings that could have tensed your father? I am sure you should have been able to see the change in his mood?"

She thought about the times if there was something unexpected that occurred.

"I don't know for sure". She voiced out and his eyes turned to her instantly which sparks something in her innocent naive heart, "I-I was coming back from university festival that day. I was dolled up, you could say".

How I wish to see that sight? He thought. Then he mentally slapped himself for the thought.

"Go on". He said noticing that she blushes when she called herself 'dolled up' probably because she was praising herself in a way and he can't help but smile inwardly

This has to be the only woman who can have him smiling in a serious situation.

"There is one of my cousin from my mother side".

Ok. He already does not like where this was going.

He stayed silent.

"H-He is older than me by 15 years and unmarried". She said timidly and this has to be the first time she was voicing this out

"Mahak". He said watching her hesitation and her innocent eyes turned to him

Fear of being judged. He knows it was installed in a woman who wishes to speak against what they think, concern or worries them.

"You should know something". He said in the softest way to not startle her, "Our parents raised us to be a man, not some filth who would throw accusation, assumptions and blame on an innocent. They taught us that woman respect is above all. I would never dare to judge you. All I wish to do is keep you safe from anything that can harm you. You don't have to be scared if you are not wrong. You should be able to speak your mind with what concerns you and if someone judges you, it's good in a way that you saw their true colours".

She smiles slightly, "He always looked at me differently. I always hide from his gaze, especially in events. He tries to speak to me or take me to the side saying some excuses. I never leave my father's side in a place no matter what". She took a deep breath, "That day when I came back. I saw him with my father, it should be a little over a month. He looked at me in a very scary way when I entered and Baba shouted at me to leave to my room which he never does. Baba looked paled and upset. I have seen him that way before".

He clenched his hand tightly as he shut his eyes not wanting to scare her with the look that was in his eyes.

It has to be that man. He knows him too well.

Babar.

"It's Babar, isn't it?" He voiced out watching her give confirmation which only stirs his deep-rooted anger, "Ok. I will have you take a few days off your university until I sort this situation".

"Why? Is it serious? Will, he hurt me?" She said panicked as disturbing thoughts occupied her mind and tears brimmed her eyes

His gaze softened looking at the fear that starts to build in her.

"Mahak". He called and she looks at him, "I will not let anyone hurt you. I need you safe inside the house until I get to the bottom of this problem. Do you understand?"

She nodded, "Do you promise?"

"Promise what?"

"That you will keep me safe? Will you stay?"

His throat dried at her words, "Do you wish for me to stay?"

"Yes"

He could feel his heart wanting to explode at her one-word answer.

"Then I will stay and I will protect". He said starting the car as he lowly nimble, "What's mine to begin with".

After making sure she had her Icecream and looks better, he took her back and sent her to her room knowing his family will start throwing questions at her red eyes and red nose.

It is hard to not know she was crying when her face shows everything she feels.

"Baba, can I have a word?" He said finding him watching series and a failed attempt to hide his snacks away

"There is a reason for that door". His father pointed behind him and he shrugged

"I did knock. You were busy in your show". He stated

"I need to find a better spot". His father said thoughtfully

He snickers, "Like you can. Mama only let you alone in this room. If she didn't find you here, she will find you wherever you are".

"I guess that what happens when you stay with someone for long years". His father said sighing dramatically, "Maybe I should have her see these saas-bahu dramas and this house might become adventurous".

"Don't even think about it". He said bewildered at the thought of his mother doing at of that stuff

His father scoffed, "You just don't know how fun it is. I have been hoping to have a fake a heart attack for so long".

"Baba, it is not funny". He groaned and his eyes give him an unappealing look, "Fine. Watch them. But do not apply them".

"If you don't marry soon". His father said pointing a finger at him with his eyes narrowed, "I might use one of these wonderful tricks".

He shakes his head sighing, "Can you be serious now?"

His father sobered up looking at his eyes hardened, "Yes. What is troubling you, my son?"

"Mahak". He said truthfully, "What was the reason she was sent here?"

"I-".

"And don't say you can't tell me. Because this is the matter of her safety and I am not risking it. Either you tell me the details or I will find them".

"Are you threatening me?"

"Yes".

His father rolled his eyes, "I am not scared of you".

"I am not trying to scare you, Baba". He said sincerely as he moves closer to him, "Please, I need to know. I need to know the reasons so I can help before something bad happens".

His father closed his eyes, "I could tell you. But it is not my place. We are just given an amanat to take care of and O hope we do our best".

He nodded walking away planning on how to handle things until her father solves the problem. That name is the reason his life turned out this way. Babar, was the main reason.

He spent the night thinking about her until it was almost dawn. He stepped out of his room knowing everyone will be waking in a few hours. He walked down to their garden to see the peaceful atmosphere perhaps that will end the pain in his heart.

As he entered, his steps flatter when he finds her standing with a shawl over her shoulder as she stands in front of the fountain looking at it.

"Does it fascinate you?" He asked startling her as her beautiful eyes widen at him

She took a deep breath calming down, "What?"

"This fountain. Does it fascinate you?"

A smile appears on her face as she turns to look at it dreamily, "This fountain is always fascinating. Don't you think? It looks so beautiful especially when the sunrise or when it goes down".

He continued to gaze at her nodding, "I agree".

She smiles at him before turning to look ahead. He continued looking at her face radiating under the rising sun as the sun rays start to fall on her face. She always looks exotic to him.

She can feel his eyes on her which made her heart race. Her hands were tightly clenched as she tries to hide her blushing face by turning to walk around the fountain knowing he was following behind her in a daze.

She didn't stop as she continues to walk around the fountain which soon become a game. She giggles turning as she walks backwards looking at him.

"What are you doing?" She asked as she giggles and a charming smile appears on his face

"What am I doing? I have no idea"

"You are following me, mister". She said laughing as she continues her walk backwards

"I am. I can't seem to stop nor I want to".

She giggles blushing as she stumbles on the ground. She hissed in pain as tears brimmed in her eyes when the pain course through her hand which she used to shield the fall.

He bends in front of her looking at her worried, "Shit! Baby, are you ok?"

Her heart stilled.

D-Did he just calls her baby?

She has never heard an endearment from him. Her heart beat rapidly as colour cover her cheeks and she momentarily forgot the pain until the tear roll down her face.

She winces looking at the pure concern in his eyes, "I-I hurt my hand".

"Shh". He said trying his best to have her at ease, "We will go to the doctor now".

"But what will we say to everyone?"

"I don't care. All I care about is that you need a doctor, Mahak".

She winces at her name coming out of his mouth in anger. His eyes softened looking at her.

"I promise I will make some excuse. Baba asked me to care of you and that is what I am doing".

Her heart clench, "A-Are you taking care of me because they asked you to?"

"No" He said standing urging her to stand as she stands in front of him, he bends down, "Because I truly want to take care of you"

He looks at the doctor treating her sprained hand and she winces whenever the doctor pulls it a little tight. He almost had the doctor thrown away for it but he calmed down because she did need a doctor.

She sighs.

She was done getting the bandage and she raises her eyes looking at him. He was speaking to the doctor but the way he continued to look at her through the examination made her skin tingle. She feels a blush covering her cheeks and she fails to hide it before he walks to her, a little confused. Obviously, she was blushing by herself.

"Are you having a fever?"

"N-No".

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Please, can we leave? It's late".

He nodded as they start to move away. He was getting the medicine from the pharmacy when he saw her pale. He quickly took the medication reaching her following her line of sight to find the one man he truly wishes to kill.

Babar.

"W-We need to leave". She said scared for her life, "Please, we need to leave. If he sees us- if he-".

She was panicking.

Before Babar could turn around to find her, he stands in front of her with his back to Babar hiding her away from that bastard vision. He uses her scarf placing it over her head in a way that it hides her face.

"Shhh". He said as he coaxes her, "You are alright, baby. You have me by your side. There is no one who will hurt you now".

"I hate him".

He smiles gently because it is good to know she hates that man, "Then our feelings are mutual. Since, we both hate him, it means we will not let him do anything with us".

Her innocent eyes looked at him concerned, "H-He will do something to you?"

He couldn't help the chuckle escape his lips which deepened her frown, "No. He cannot do anything to me. And he definitely cannot do anything to what belongs to me".

She tilts her head confused, "What belongs to you?"

He gulped, "We should leave. It's late".

Thankfully after a quick explanation of why he took her to the hospital, he managed to escape to his room and she managed to escape to her room.

She stays in her room until she knows for sure that he left for work. She exits her room to the kitchen to eat something when his mother called for her. She thought of all the wrong things she did, even though she didn't find any wrongdoings.

"Don't be scared". His mother said chuckling

She smiles slightly, "You wished to speak to me?"

"Actually your father called us yesterday". His mother paused and she nodded, "He said there is a good family who wishes to see you".

Her heart stopped, "I-I don't want to do it, please".

"We are not forcing you to marry him. All I am saying is that you at least meet them?" His mother said concerned

She closes her eyes not knowing what she could possibly say. She feels her heart clenching for reasons unknown to her. However when she had her eyes closed- those charcoal eyes appeared in her vision knocking her breath out.

Imran.

She was thinking about him. His mother informed him that the family will be here in a couple of hours and she couldn't help herself out of this situation. She momentarily wished that she could dials Imran number and ask for his help. But isn't the overreacting? Imran is already helping her and she doesn't wish to burden him.

She wore a dress his mother choose for her as she takes the drinks in her hand walking out in front of the family.

He looks at Hadi turning around in his seat nervously and as far as he knows his brother was not the one who gets nervous unless it involved his family.

"Why are you acting this way?" He spoke as Hadi turned to him

"I am not".

"Bhai, I know you. What is bothering you?"

"You won't like it".

"What is it?" He pressed

Hadi sighs, "I got a call from my wife about Mahak".

"Why? Is something wrong? Is she sick? Did she get fever?"

"No. That's not it". Hadi said hesitating, "Mahak's father sent a proposal for her at our home. They came to see her".

He banged his hand on the desk standing from his seat, "They are there now?"

There were no emotions hidden in his voice. His voice was dark.

"They just arrived". That's all Hadi said before he was running out of the office and driving fast to his house

He will be dammed if he allowed someone to come and take her away from him. He didn't even seem to have a chance with her before someone snatches her away.

He was sick of it.

He entered his house allowing his presence to be known and his eyes narrow at the timid figure looking at him. He saw the flashes of relief crossing her eyes which had him confused.

He quietly sat down beside his father when he sent a glare. He watches her fidgeting in her seat looking ready to run away. That's when his eyes narrowed at her outfit.

God!

Does she have to look this beautiful for someone who was never going to be her?

He will deal with her later. He needs to get this situation straight.

"Who are they?" He voiced out harshly not even caring they were in front of him

"These are the people who came for our Mahak". His mother said excitedly not realising that his eyes held fury

Our Mahak is the only thing right in his mother sentence.

"Why? She is still studying". He said looking at the man

"We saw her at your brothers wedding". The woman who he assumed was the boy mother spoke, "We thought she was beautiful".

So did he. He didn't just think she was beautiful, he knows she was beautiful.

"So you thought she was beautiful is enough reason to ask for her hand?" His words remain harsh and his brother- Hadi came inside the room

The boy mother gulped, "No. We wanted to know more about her".

"For what reasons?" He asked raising his eyebrows, "What does your son do?"

"He works at his father's factory". The mother said

"Which factory?" Hadi asked before he could because they are the one who owns most of the factories in here

"My factory is known as the best in textile- Mahmood' Textiles". The boy father spoke

He snickers and all eyes turning to him, "The one that lost the last three shipments and is in debts now"

It wasn't even a question, it was a fact.

"Let me ask again". He said leaning forward as his eyes hardened looking at all their pale faces, "Why are you here for our Mahak?"

They didn't speak.

"We just wanted a good bride for our son". The boy mother screeched

He rolls his eyes turning his eyes to Mahak, "Go inside".

She didn't even think twice before running inside her room.

His eyes turned to them, "I know why you are here. I don't wish to spell it out. If you value yourself, leave before I make you".

The family immediately left. His anger however was a different case. He felt burning rage at the thought that people think they can have a bride and her inheritance to use as they please. It wasn't a big mystery to know why these people wanted Mahak. She was the sole owner of her father's property. And her father would have given anything the groom asks for.

His fist clenched as he looks at his father, "Why didn't you check?"

"I wasn't planning on marrying her". His father said honestly, "I didn't want to upset her father. Her father is struggling as it is, I would have said no after we have met them once".

"Then say no right now". He said marching to the stairs in anger

He halts when he finds her lingering figure standing in a distance looking at him. He continued to walk to the rooftop knowing she was following behind him.

He leans on the railing looking at the beautiful view as she stands beside him.

"I-I didn't want to marry him". She said as her heartbeat rises, "I told them. I promise, I did".

He sighs, "I know. You don't have to explain anything to me".

She nodded.

"Are you angry at me?" She asked confused because his face looked very angry

"No. I am not. I am just thinking about the audacity of those people".

"They were bad?"

His eyes turned to look at the innocence shining in her eyes which gripped his heart. How many more men will he be able to pull away from her? Will he ever become something more to her?

"Is there someone you wish to marry?" He asked cautiously

She looks at him and the answer was at the tip of her tongue when she heard her name being called. She runs away from him towards the person.

He banged his hand on the railing. He needs to set things straight. He needs to ask her hand for marriage because he was done with all of this.

He didn't even waste a second before he went to his car driving out towards her house to meet her father. As he entered inside he heard a loud noise and a clash.

His eyes widen when he finds Babar and his family and her father lying on the ground with blood streaming out of his head.

"What have you done?" He screamed as he charged at Babar punching him hard, "I swear if something happened to her father. God, help me, I will personally deal with you".

He didn't waste a second before taking her father to the hospital. He called his brothers and father asking them to not inform anyone else.

"What happened?" His father asked worriedly

"I don't know. I went to her house to speak to her father". He said angrily, "When I entered I heard loud noises and a clash sound. I saw her father on the ground, bleeding and Babar was holding a broken vase in his hands".

"I will ask my wife to work on it". Raza said calling his wife (Hajar)

"This has gone too far". His father said agonizing, "This has to end".

"I need details, Baba. Please". He pleaded

His father sighed, "Her mother once joked about giving her hand to Babar when they were young. It was because she was playing marriage thing with her dolls and Babar was their groom or something". His father took a deep breath, "It was all an innocent joke of her mother which turned around. After her mother  died, they knocked at their door demanding to marry her to their Babar. Mahak was young and innocent and her father asked for time just to delay it for some time".

He waited as his father spoke again, "But just a while ago, Babar threatened her father. He said if her father didn't marry her in a few months, he will forcefully stake his claim. Her father had no idea how to deal with this situation and he pleaded for his daughter but it went in vain. He sent her here because the threats were starting to increase and he wanted his daughter safe".

His heart stopped.

There was one question he had that he couldn't voice out.

"Was she ever to wed that man?" His brother- Hadi asked watching his turmoil

"The only reason he ever agreed to the marriage was to get enough time to find a solution". His father explained

"S-So she didn't know about this? She wasn't ever going to marry that man?" He asked as he feels something hit his chest

"God, no. That bastard doesn't deserve a beautiful child like Mahak". His father said and the weight on his heart was lifted

Hadi places his hand on his shoulder, "Guess you know now".

He smiles a genuine smile for his brother after all these years of pain.

"I guess, I do". He said happily

Hadi smiles watching his brother happiness returning.

He had misunderstood.

He thought she was promised by her parents to Babar. He had heard a few words of her father and found that he stands no chance to have her hand. Because he knows that she will only do what her father asked her to do, he couldn't handle the pain. He thought she agreed to the proposal and he left with a broken heart for years.

All for a misunderstanding.

The happiness short-lived when he entered his house and find her pacing around with tears flowing down her face. The worry grips him when she rushes to him.

"I want to see Baba". She said crying harder, "I-I had a bad dream. I want to see him, please".

He took a deep breath, "You need to hear something".

She nodded. He explained everything to her skipping a few details in between because she was already crying badly. She didn't even speak again as they went to his car and he drives her to the hospital.

She enters the hospital praying that no harm comes to her father. She cannot bear to lose another one of her family and the last one at that.

The painful hours filled with her cries of desperation came to end after 6 hours when the doctor informed her that her father did survive.

She stumbles hearing the words as the relief fills her in.

"I think we should go back and change. We need to inform the others". His father said tiredly

As they start to leave she didn't move and he stayed by her side. He went to get something to eat when he saw Hajar. He knows she is here with the update about Babar.

She looks at Hajar who asks her a few questions about Babar and his roles around her which she answered instantly.

"His family is caught". Hajar said softly, "But he is missing. I will have to work on that. We are sending search parties so it will take a while. Don't go anywhere alone, please".

"Thank you". She said softly and Hajar nodded before walking away

He sits beside her watching the exhaustion on her face.

"Why?" Her voice was low, "Why did they do this to him? He always thought of them as his family".

"Family can be deceiving. They are no family of yours".

Her tears filled eyes turned to him, "Why?"

He took a deep breath, "He wanted you".

"What?"

"Babar". His name felt acid on his tongue, "It's because Babar wanted you".

"I never thought about being with him. It's disgusting". She said shuddering

"I know. I know now".

"What do you mean?"

He looks into her eyes, "If I tell you, don't be mad".

She nodded as he spoke, "One day, mom asked me to deliver some sweets at your place. It was after your mother passed away. I entered your place without knocking since the door was open. I heard your father talking about Babar and your marriage".

"I have no idea".

"I know. I heard them speak and your father agreed. I felt like someone broke my heart so I went away".

"Why will you feel that?"

He gulped, "I never thought I will say it here". He mumbles as he turned to look directly into her eyes to show his sincerity, "I wish to marry you. I like you for a long time and I was hoping to ask for your hand after you were done with your studies".

"You liked me?" She asked astonished, "Why?"

He shrugged, "I never found a reason. I just know that I always imagined a future with you. That whenever I wanted someone, you were my first thought. Whenever I craved for someone, you were the one I wanted. It was just that I felt comfortable and happy around you".

"So you don't now?"

"God, no. Years back, you were a lot younger like a child. Now you are older and different. I thought after I heard your father words that I wouldn't feel anymore. When I saw you in my brother marriage, I knew my feeling was real and it will be harder to outgrow them".

She was about to speak when the doctor told her she could meet her father.

She stands from her seat taking a few steps towards the doctor when she turned around looking at him.

"I like you too".

He could have felt his heart stop at her words. He thought he heard wrong however when he saw her face and that beautiful shy smile he knows he had not heard her wrong.

He was going to ask for her hand soon. Just as her father recovered.

He went to get updates on Babar who was caught after all and he felt at ease. He had stayed around her all this time, scared that Babar might show here. He didn't want her to get hurt more than she already was.

"Baba". He said entering inside his study as he looks at him, "I wish to marry Mahak".

"Finally". His father said joyful, "I was so near to knocking some sense into you".

He sighs shaking his head, "Will you ask her father to stay here and recover?"

"Of course". His father said smiling, "It's good to have you smiling again, son".

"It's is good". He agreed

She sits with her father in his house guest room. Her father was in the hospital for a month and she didn't see much of him. She knows he was busy handling her father work along with his work.

"Beta". Her father said holding her hand, "I am sorry. You have to witness all this".

She shakes her head smiling, "It's all over now. We don't have to waste our time thinking about it".

"Have you thought about what you will like to do next after your graduation?"

She gulped because she did have two ideas.

Work and marriage.

"For now, I am thinking what I want". She lied looking anywhere but at her father

"I know when you lie". Her father said chuckling as she blushes, "I know that your heart found a new home".

Her eyes widen as her cheeks turned redder, "W-What?"

"It's not hard when you constantly looked at the door for someone. You can't possibly be looking for just anyone. There has to someone special who took your interest to have you look away from your father".

She bites her lips, "I-I-".

Her father places a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I am not mad. I am not even angry. It is your life and your choice to do what you want under certain limitations. I know for a fact that you two didn't exceed those limits and I am proud of that".

She smiles gently, "I don't know what to do next".

"Next step is not from you". Her father said making her frown, "Next step is for your proposal to come. All we have to do is wait".

She smiles placing her head in her father's lap, "I don't want to leave you".

"You are not". Her father said brushing her hair away, "You are just building your life that you want to live in. I built that life for myself once and it's time that you do too. I will always be with you".

She heard the door opening as he walks in with his father. She feels her heartbeat rising as his eyes meet her and a gentle smile on his lips.

"I wanted to see if you need something". His father said slapping his head, "I don't know why he is here".

She giggles looking at his sour face but he smiles looking at her.

"I just wanted to be here. There is nothing wrong with that, Baba". He said grumpily

His father rolled his eyes at his obvious lie, "And I was born yesterday".

His father sends a look at her and she blushes at his father words. She doesn't know if he spoke to his father but he seems to know.

"I was thinking about something". Her father said clearing his throat and everyone eyes turned to him, "I want to marry my daughter now".

She gasps looking at her father then back at his pale face.

"What's the hurry? She is in the middle of her education". His father said

"No. I am not strong enough to prevent any more of these things from happening. I am not even good enough to find her a good person. The last person I send to her turned out to be someone bad. I want you to find a man for her". Her father said looking at his father

His father turned to him glaring at him daring him to speak. She looks at him trying to figure out what he was thinking. He blinks his eyes turning to look at her father.

"If you give me your blessing". He started feeling his heart-stopping, "I would like to marry your daughter, please".

Her heart stopped as she waits for her father reply.

"Why?" Her father asked

"I have been in love with her for a long time. I never dared to speak before. I would like to marry her to give her the protection, love and care that you wish for her". He said honestly

Her father smiled, "Then you have my blessings".

He nervously rubbed his hands together as he stands out of the door after their Nikkah.

They wanted to do a small wedding later when she has her university closed. But, she will live with them for all this time and they will start their married life.

He took a deep breath rubbing his hand over his suit as he opened the door entering. He felt his breath knocked out, the minute his eyes takes in the beauty in front of him. Given that he had seen her millions of times but to look at her knowing she was his was a whole new feeling, like when he first understood that he liked her.

She blushes under his gaze after she was done looking at him.

He takes steps towards her forwarding his hand for her and she placed her small soft hands on his hand. He brought it to his lips kissing it.

"You look beautiful". He said smiling moving closer as he places the back of his hand tracing her soft cheeks, "I have a gift for you".

Her eyes filled with glee as she holds the beautiful bracelet in her hand.

"We should go down". He said kissing her forehead as he holds her hand moving out of the room

He sits with his family and everyone with their partner.

"Stop eating all the pickle in the house". Latif said trying to take away pickle from his wife

"I will kill you if you touch it". His wife said narrowing her eyes and Latif sits back while other snickers at his actions

He turned to look at his elder brother- Hadi looking down at his daughter in his hand and other hand wrapped around his wife as she talks animated to him and he listens to her every word.

His eyes turned to look at Raza and his wife having a stare off competition until Raza huffed handing her the remote control and his wife smirks.

He chuckles shaking his head as he finds his father asking his mother to watch the daily soaps with him to which his mother completely ignored him until she finally gives in.

He wrapped his arms around his wife who was telling him about his university day tomorrow. He cannot help but feel his love blooming further as he looks at his wife. Her face was innocent as her eyes continued to look at him making his heart skip a beat.

He knows she was and will always be his one and only.

"Are you ok?" She asked watching him look at her for a long time and her heart doesn't seem to calm down

"da zrra qarara" (in your presence, my heart is at ease)

And his heart was finally at peace with his love by his side.

That was them.

Imran and Mahak.

The end.

*****

I am not ready for this :(. This is the last one shot for this beautiful family. 🥺

Which part was your favourite? Which couple did you liked the most? And what dialogue?

I will see you all soon.

Thank you for all your support and I hope the coming month (also months) will be filled with blessing for everyone.

Take care. And a early Happy Ramadan ❤.

Your author,

Faiqa.