The house was loud. The murmur of voices, the constant shuffle of feet, the bustle of relatives coming and going—it all felt like noise, unrelenting and intrusive. Asfandyar had tried to bear it, tried to smile through the barrage of questions and well-wishes, but his patience had worn thin. The accident, the pain, the constant reminders of his fragility—it was too much to process all at once.

He needed quiet. He needed peace.

With a quiet sigh, he had managed to escape to his room, slamming the door behind him as if to shut out the world. His body ached, the bruises throbbing in places he hadn't known could hurt. But it was his heart that hurt the most.

Not for the first time, he wondered if he was truly living, or just marking time.

The accident had made him question everything. He had come so close to losing his life, his future, and there was one person who had been on his mind the entire time.

Alayna.

His Naina. His angel.

Her terrified eyes, her frantic cries, her desperate need to reach him—those moments replayed over and over in his mind, like a loop of raw emotion. The look of anguish on her face when she thought he might not survive had shaken him in a way nothing else could.

A knock at the door.

He flinched at the sound, thinking it was another relative, another person eager to see him, ask him questions, and give their opinion. But when the door creaked open, his heart skipped a beat.

Alayna.

She stepped into the room, her presence like a soft breeze, warm and familiar. Dressed simply in a mustard-yellow kurta and matching chadar, her hair loose around her shoulders, she looked like an angel who had stepped out of a dream. Even in such simplicity, she glowed—radiated with a purity and grace that made everything else fade into the background.

Asfandyar's breath caught in his chest.

Her beauty was always there, but today, after everything that had happened, it felt magnified. The curve of her cheek, the delicate line of her jaw, the soft gleam of her hair catching the light—it was all so striking. But it was her eyes that held him.

Her eyes, wide and shining, were filled with something more than concern. There was pain there—pain that matched his own. And yet, there was also tenderness. The way she looked at him—like he was her entire world, the reason her heart beat—left him breathless.

Her gaze softened as she stepped forward, holding a tray in her hands, her delicate fingers grasping the edges as though it were the most fragile thing in the world. As she moved closer, her eyes never leaving his face, a faint tear shimmered in the corner of her eye.

Alayna sat beside him without a word, the tray resting gently on the edge of the bed. She didn't need to speak to convey everything that was in her heart. The way she settled next to him, her body close enough that he could feel the warmth radiating from her, told him everything.

And then she spoke, her voice a soft whisper.

"You look better" she murmured, though the tremble in her voice betrayed her. She could barely look at him without the sting of tears blurring her vision. "boht dard ho raha hain na?" Her eyes traced his features, lingering on the bandages on his head, the faint bruising around his jaw.

Asfandyar swallowed hard, but it wasn't the pain from his body that hurt—it was the pain in her eyes. The pain he had caused her.

He reached for her hand without thinking, pulling it gently into his. The contact made her flinch for a second, but then she relaxed, allowing him to hold her, as if he needed this touch just as much as she did.

"I'm good baby" he whispered, but the words felt hollow. "Just a few bruises."

She didn't believe him. Of course, she didn't. No one could have seen what she had seen in the hospital, how shattered she had been when she thought he was lost. And no one could know the depth of her love for him—not until now.

Her lips parted, her eyes welling up again as she gazed at him. The tears that pooled in her eyes spilled over, one silent drop trailing down her cheek. Asfandyar's heart clenched at the sight of it.

She was so beautiful, even in her sorrow.

And in that moment, he realized something. Despite everything—the pain, the chaos, the uncertainty—she was still the most beautiful person he had ever seen. It wasn't the perfect face, the flawless complexion, or the way her hair fell just right. No. It was the emotion in her eyes, the vulnerability that she allowed him to see, the way she was so unguarded with him, even when her heart was breaking.

" Rote hue bhi itny haseen lagty ho, kya bana diya hai mera tumny " he whispered, unable to stop himself.

Alayna met his gaze, her breath shaky as she tried to smile, but the tears in her eyes betrayed her. "I-I don't know how I would've survived if—if something had happened to you," she choked out, her voice trembling. Asfandyar reached up, brushing the tears from her face, his thumb gently caressing her cheek. The intimacy of the moment, the rawness of it, made his chest tighten with emotion.

"Meri jaan" he said, his voice thick with sincerity. "I'm never leaving again, i promise"

A silence passed between them, the world outside fading into nothing. Asfandyar's gaze never left her face as he finally spoke the words he had been holding back all day. "Kal main mama aur baba sy baat karta hun... bas ho gaya yeh lukka chop ka khel"

Alayna's breath caught in her throat. She looked at him with wide eyes, her heart skipping a beat.

He smiled at her, a soft, bittersweet smile. "Aut nahi intezzar ho raha, Naina. I've seen you broken, terrified that you might lose me... and I can't bear it. I don't want to live another day pretending that there's anything between us that holds us back. I want to make you complete mine, Alayna. "

His voice softened, almost pleading. "Aur doori nahi sahi jaye gy mujhy sy. Not after today."

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she squeezed his hand, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want that too, Asfandyar. I don't ever want to let you go."

And there, in the quiet of the room, with the hum of the distant voices of guests still echoing downstairs, they shared a moment of pure connection—an unspoken promise that, no matter the chaos, no matter the world outside, they were in this together.

Alayna leaned forward, her lips brushing against his forehead, as if sealing the promise with a kiss. "You're my forever, Asfandyar. Always."

" And you're mine for eternity, aren't you." Asfandyar closed his eyes, allowing himself to savor the moment. His body ached, his heart heavy with emotion, but in that moment, he knew—he had everything he needed.

Her love. Her presence. And her promise.

The room was thick with unspoken emotions as Asfandyar and Alayna remained close, the air between them charged with the weight of the moment. Her hand lingered on his, both of them still lost in the quiet comfort they had found in each other's presence, letting the world outside fade into nothingness. Alayna's soft, hesitant touch was enough to make Asfandyar feel like he was home—safe, loved, and unbroken despite everything.

But before they could speak again, the sound of a throat being cleared, followed by a playful cough, broke the fragile peace. A teasing smile slowly spread across Rafay's face as he leaned casually against the doorframe, his tall, broad figure casting a shadow in the doorway. His dark, thick hair fell just right, a few strands rebelliously brushing across his forehead, adding to his effortlessly handsome charm. His features were sharp and strong—defined jawline, deep-set eyes that gleamed with mischief—and when he flashed that signature smile of his, it was almost impossible not to be drawn in by his confident aura. Rafay had always had a way of commanding attention, not with arrogance, but with a quiet magnetism that made him impossible to ignore.

Asfandyar and Alayna both jumped apart at the sound, startled by the sudden intrusion. The heat of embarrassment flooded Alayna's face, her cheeks flushed bright pink, and she quickly turned her gaze away, not wanting to meet her brother's eyes. Asfandyar, too, shifted uncomfortably, his pulse quickening.

Rafay, with that same mischievous glint in his eyes, raised an eyebrow and placed a hand on his hip, feigning mock anger. "Kya ho raha hai yahan?" he asked, his voice deliberately stern but still laced with that playful charm. "Yeh comfort level  mujhe thoda zyada lag raha hai."

Alayna's heart skipped a beat. Her face instantly turned crimson as she looked at Rafay, flustered and slightly panicked. "Rafay bhai..." she whispered, her voice quivering with a mix of embarrassment and unease.

Rafay smirked, clearly enjoying every bit of the uncomfortable silence that followed. His gaze never left them, but there was an undeniable warmth behind his teasing demeanor. " Main to bas ek peghaam dene aya tha" he said, stepping further into the room with that confident swagger that was so characteristic of him. "Lekin yahan to aur kuch hi chal raha hai, nahi?" He grinned, clearly enjoying the sight of his sister and cousin fumbling in the face of his teasing.

Alayna, still feeling the heat of her embarrassment, instinctively reached for the edge of the bed, her fingers gripping the blanket tightly. Her heart was racing, and she quickly turned her head away, trying to mask the blush that refused to leave her face.

" bhai..." she stammered, her voice barely a whisper, but her eyes conveyed everything: a mixture of love and fear that only a protective older brother could evoke.

Rafay, however, couldn't help but laugh at the sight of their flustered faces. His laugh was deep and rich, the kind that made you feel like the world had lightened up, and it only added to his charm. " Mujhe toh lag raha tha ke aaj hum sab family ke saath baith kar relax karenge!" he teased, his voice light and playful now that he'd had his fun.

Then, his tone shifted just a little, and there was a subtle warmth in his eyes as he looked at Asfandyar.

" Asfandyar," he said, stepping closer to him, his voice softening slightly. "Mujhe pata hai tum meri behen ka bohot khayal rakho gy. She's very precious to me."

There was something in the way Rafay spoke that made his presence even more commanding, but it wasn't just his physical stature that did it. It was the sincerity in his tone, the quiet strength that underpinned every word he said. His deep, warm eyes locked with Asfandyar's, and there was no mistaking the protective brother in him, the kind who would go to any length to safeguard the people he loved.

Asfandyar, sensing the sincerity in Rafay's voice, gave him a respectful nod. "Bhai, I promise. I'll always look after her. aap pareshaan na hon" he said earnestly, his tone reflecting the deep responsibility he felt for Alayna. He wanted Rafay to know that his sister was in good hands.

Rafay smiled warmly at Asfandyar, his usual teasing manner giving way to a genuine expression of gratitude. He placed a hand on Asfandyar's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. "Pata hai mujhy Asfandyar." he said, and then he turned his attention back to Alayna, his face softening into something protective.

With that, Rafay moved toward his sister. His steps were deliberate and filled with that quiet strength that made him seem like the kind of man who would always be there for you. He pulled her into a tight hug, his arms enveloping her in a protective embrace. He kissed her forehead gently, his voice low and affectionate as he murmured, "Mama bula rahi hai. Neeche  jao."

Alayna nodded, still embarrassed, but she leaned into her brother's embrace for a moment, feeling comforted by the warmth and care he always gave her. She whispered, "Jee bhai..." before pulling away, still with rosy cheeks, her gaze briefly meeting Asfandyar's before she headed towards the door.

As Rafay moved back to stand in the doorway, he couldn't resist one last playful jab. "Aur yeh jo tum dono ka romantic scenes chal jaty hai na kahin bhi," he said, with a wink, looking over at Asfandyar, "Thora lagam do."

Before Asfandyar could even think of replying, Rafay was already turning to leave, his grin still wide and teasing. He was the kind of person who could make any situation seem lighthearted, and even when teasing, there was an undeniable kindness in his eyes.

Just then, Faran, Sheharyar, and Zarrar walked into the room, their faces lighting up when they saw Asfandyar. The moment they caught sight of him, they burst into laughter, clearly having heard all about the "romantic drama" that had unfolded at the hospital.

Sheharyar was the first to speak, his voice filled with humor. "Bhai, humne jo hospital mein dekha! Bilkul film ka scene lag raha tha!" he said, grinning from ear to ear.

Faran couldn't help but chuckle.

Zarrar, who was typically more reserved, leaned casually against the wall, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Record kar lena chahiye tha, woh  jo tik tok pe reunion wali videos nahi dekhty Yashfa waisy hi neechy caption likh ky post kar deni chahiye thy!" he joked, earning another round of laughter from the others.

Asfandyar, still feeling the heat of embarrassment, groaned and buried his face in his hands. "bas yeh reh gaya tha..." he muttered, trying to hide his smile. But despite the teasing, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, a sense that life, despite everything that had happened, was slowly beginning to return to normal.

It wasn't just the teasing or the laughter that warmed his heart—it was the thought that, soon, Alayna would be by his side, and nothing would hold them back from being together.

But for now, he allowed himself to enjoy this moment with his cousins —friends who had witnessed everything at the hospital, who had shared the tension, the fear, and now, the joy. He wasn't alone anymore, not in this. And he knew that the path ahead would be much easier with Alayna and them  by his side.

As the laughter continued, Asfandyar looked towards the door where Alayna had just left, and his heart swelled with love. Soon, very soon, they would make everything official. And nothing, no teasing or interruptions, would stand in their way.

____

The kitchen was filled with the soft sounds of clattering dishes, the hum of a busy house, and the faint melody playing from Hooriya's phone. The day had been a blur, with guests filling every corner of the house and elders running around, making sure everything was in place. The servants were mostly outside attending to the guests, leaving Hooriya to help with the last-minute preparations.

She was lost in the rhythm of chopping vegetables, her mind drifting with the melody. She loved these moments when she could escape into the music, blocking out everything around her. It was her little escape, where she could just be herself, free from the expectations and responsibilities that weighed on her shoulders.

But then, she felt it. The unmistakable presence behind her. Her heart skipped a beat. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The familiar scent of his cologne reached her before anything else, and the sensation of his presence sent a wave of warmth spreading through her body.

Her hands faltered mid-motion, knife hovering above the vegetables, as she braced herself for whatever was to come. She could feel his eyes on her, like a quiet storm stirring the air around them. She didn't dare move, waiting, heart pounding in her chest, for the next moment.

Then, ever so slowly, she felt it. His fingers, light but sure, brushing against her waist. His touch was feather-light, but it made her body freeze. A jolt ran through her, and her breath caught in her throat. She had been waiting for this, in some way, without even realizing it—his touch, his closeness, something that always made her feel like time itself slowed down. But now, with his hand so gently grazing her, she wasn't sure whether to melt into him or pull away.

Before she could react, his arm moved around her waist, slipping around her with casual ease, like it belonged there. The warmth of his body pressed against her back, his breath tickling her ear, and she could feel her heart rate quicken. Her hands trembled, hovering by her side, unsure whether to push him away or embrace the feeling. He wasn't holding her tightly, but the mere presence of his arm around her sent every nerve in her body into overdrive.

She instinctively touched his arm, the fabric of his shirt under her fingertips, as though trying to push him away. But the second her hand brushed against him, she realized that it wasn't about pushing him away. She couldn't bring herself to. Not when his touch made her feel so alive. So conflicted. So consumed.

He chuckled softly, the sound low and teasing, like he knew exactly what was going through her mind.

"K-koi a jayega, chhorain..." she whispered, barely audible, a nervous sigh escaping her lips as she tried, and failed, to hide the way her heart pounded. She was painfully aware that if anyone walked in right now, it would be impossible to explain away this moment. Her voice was shaky with a mixture of desire and fear, knowing how easily their world could be torn apart by just one wrong move.

But Ayaan wasn't worried. His grip didn't tighten, didn't force her into anything. He knew what she wanted, what they both wanted, but he was patient. He was always patient with her, as though he could take his time in savoring her.

His smile softened as he gently turned her to face him, his hand now resting on her waist with a possessiveness that she didn't want to fight. And then, those dark eyes, full of intent, settled on hers. There was no hiding anything now—no pretending. She could feel the heat between them, the magnetic pull that was only growing stronger with each passing second.

After a long, lingering moment, she finally spoke.

"Aap yahan kya kar rahe hain?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, almost as if she were afraid the words would vanish into the air between them.

Hooriya unconsciously touched her tummy as she asked, trying to compose herself.
"Asfandyar se milne aaya tha, phir tumhy dhoond raha tha... lekin mujhe kya pata tha, meri jaan to kitchen mein chhupi hai."

She saw his grin widen as she scrunched her nose in the most adorable way, trying to stay composed. The way he looked at her, though, his eyes soft and affectionate, made her lose her balance. Everything about him pulled her in. She was helpless to the deep pull of his charm.

"A-aap ne khana khaya?" she asked, her voice hesitant, but there was a softness to it that made her question him in the gentlest of ways.

He tilted his head slightly, his nose brushing against her cheek. "Meri jaan ne nahi khaya to main kaise khata?"

The simple declaration of "meri jaan" made her heart swell with tenderness. It was how he always made her feel—his, like she was something precious, something irreplaceable. He pressed his cheek against hers in the most intimate of gestures, his nose grazing the softness of her skin. He wasn't just a man standing in front of her, he was a presence, a force that seemed to fill the entire room, her entire world.

"Apko kaisy pata maine nahi khaya." Her voice containing obvious confusion.

" Tum yeh pucho tumahre is Ashiq ko kya nahi pata hota." He grinned lazily. Hooriya lowered her eyes at his bold statement and her hands unconsciously started playing with buttons of his crisp white shirt.

At the sound of approaching steps Hooriya's eyes widened and in a swift motion she tried to free herself from his arms, but he wasn't letting her go so easily.

The moment hung between them, thick with unspoken words, a lingering warmth that neither of them was ready to let go of. Ayaan's arm remained loosely around her waist, but the sound of approaching footsteps—heavy and deliberate—soon broke the fragile spell they had shared. His breath caught in his chest, and without a second thought, he leaned down, pressing a quick, soft kiss to her forehead, as if marking the moment with an imprint only they would know.

"Please..." She whispered with big innocent eyes and he sighed, releasing her from his grip.

With a final, fleeting smile that spoke volumes of his affection, Ayaan reluctantly withdrew his arm from around her waist. In one swift motion, he straightened up and took a step back, his face now neutral, giving away nothing of the connection they had just shared. Hooriya did the same, smoothing down her clothes, trying to appear calm, composed, and unaffected by the electric charge that still ran through her veins.

Hooriya's mother, stepped in, her soft, soothing presence filling the room. Hooriya quickly went to stand behind the counter, wiping her hands on a nearby towel to steady herself.

"Are beta, tum yahan?" she questioned with a big smile. " kuch chahiye tha?" she caressed his back in a motherly way.

"Nahi mumani jaan, bas pani peeny aya tha." he gave her  one of his charming smiles.

Hooriya, feeling a little off-kilter, busied herself with an empty tray in the corner of the kitchen, pretending to focus on the small tasks at hand. She stole a quick glance at Ayaan, whose expression was still calm, his presence now almost too perfect, too composed. There was nothing to indicate the tension they'd just shared.

And before she could even register things he was gone, leaving g her mother with a big smile.

______

The house was quiet now. Hooriya stood in front of her bedroom window, looking out into the darkened yard, her heart restless. It had been a long day, filled with conversations, laughter, and the constant flurry of people—too much noise, too much attention. But now, in the stillness of the night, the silence felt heavy, almost suffocating.

Her thoughts drifted back to Ayaan. She couldn't shake the feeling of worry that lingered after their brief encounter earlier. He hadn't eaten yet, she was sure of it. Had he eaten dinner yet? Did he remember to?

She chewed her lip, pacing back and forth across the room. She couldn't bear the thought of him going hungry, even though it wasn't something she should concern herself with. He was an adult, after all, more than capable of taking care of himself. And yet, the thought of him missing something as simple as a meal... It gnawed at her heart.

Her fingers hovered over her phone, the temptation to message him too strong to resist. Her heart raced as she stared at the screen, unsure of what to say.

But there was something inside her that couldn't ignore the desire to make sure he was alright.

Finally, with a deep breath, she typed the words. "dinner?"

She almost immediately regretted it. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly tossed her phone onto the bed, as if hoping the message would somehow disappear before he could read it. Her stomach was in knots as she waited—seconds felt like hours, and she paced nervously.

And then, not even a second later, her phone buzzed.

Hooriya's heart jumped. She snatched it up almost frantically, her breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected him to reply so quickly. The message was simple, but the way he'd typed it made her heart flutter.

"Are you worried, darling?"

Her breath caught in her throat, and a soft, involuntary smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Worried? Yes, she was, more than she cared to admit. She was nervous about him not eating, about him taking care of himself, but what else could she say? She didn't want to sound overly concerned, especially since she had no right to be.

With a sigh, she tossed her phone down on the bed, refusing to reply. She knew she shouldn't let herself get carried away with emotions that weren't even hers to claim yet. But still, she couldn't shake the thought of him.

He must be fine, she told herself, but even as she tried to convince herself, her mind kept drifting back to the image of him—so composed, yet so lost in his own world, so undeniably magnetic that he had a way of drawing her into his orbit without effort.

Five minutes passed, and in that short span, Hooriya found herself unable to focus on anything else. She was lost in her thoughts, her mind running a mile a minute when she suddenly heard the softest click. Her heart skipped a beat.

The balcony door.

Her pulse quickened as she turned toward the sound. Her breath stilled, and before she could fully process what was happening, the familiar figure of Ayaan appeared in the doorway.

He didn't say a word at first. He simply stood there, looking as effortlessly handsome as ever, his usual calm demeanor somehow more intense under the soft moonlight that filtered through the window. His eyes, though, were fixed on her, as if she were the only thing he saw in the world.

Hooriya felt a rush of warmth flood through her, her heart thumping loudly in her chest. How did he... She didn't even have time to finish the thought before he took a slow step into the room, and her pulse raced even faster.

"You didn't reply to my message," Ayaan said softly, his voice smooth but laced with a teasing edge, though his expression remained serious.

Hooriya, caught off guard, didn't know what to say. The air between them felt charged with an unspoken tension that had been building since their first encounter. She shifted uncomfortably, still not used to his presence in her personal space, though she had always yearned for it in the most private corners of her heart.

he took a few steps forward and was now standing right in front of her, his eyes searchings hers.

a smile tugged at his lips as he saw the worry still lingering on her face. How did he get so lucky to have an angel like her?

"Mujhy puch to aisy rahi ho jaisy khud kha ky bethy ho..hmm" he smiled knowingly.

Her eyes lowered to the ground, yes she hadn't eaten either, how could she knowing that he hadn't.

He gave her a dissaproving shake of his head, his careless gorgeous girl.

"Jao khana garam kar ky lao." Hooriya stood up with a shy smile on her face and fixed her dupatta before quietly exiting the room and heading towards the kitchen.

she quietly and attentively heated the daal and poured it into a bowl, then she moved tp the rice and lastly the remaining kebabs.

she neatly organised everything in the tray and headed towards her room.

she bit her lip as her steps entered into the dimly lit room, she placed the tray on the night stand and glanced at the beautiful back standing just a few steps ahead of her, examining her little book shelf.

at the sound of water being poured into the glass, Ayaan turned and a soft gentle smile graced his face.

The quiet of the night enveloped the room. Hooriya could feel the weight of the silence, but it wasn't just the stillness that made her heart flutter. It was the gentle anticipation in the air, the feeling of being so close to him, yet so far away. The small tray she had just placed on the nightstand seemed insignificant compared to the way her heart raced with every subtle movement he made.

As Ayaan turned to face her, his gaze locking onto hers, a soft, knowing smile spread across his lips. He stepped toward her, the sound of his quiet footsteps almost synchronized with the beating of her heart. The way he looked at her made everything else in the room fade into the background. All she could focus on was the warmth of his presence and the way his eyes never left hers.

Without saying a word, he sat down on the bed, his hand brushing against hers as he motioned for her to sit next to him. Hooriya complied, her movements shy and almost hesitant. His touch had a way of calming her, of making her forget everything else, even the butterflies in her stomach.

His gaze softened as he reached for the tray. There were two plates, two spoons, and a variety of food arranged neatly. But instead of taking both spoons, he only picked up one—a subtle choice that sent a wave of heat rushing to her cheeks. Ayaan's fingers brushed against her arm as he moved to scoop up a portion of rice, carefully layering it with daal, then adding a perfectly cooked kebab on top.

Hooriya couldn't help but watch, captivated by the way he moved with such care, as if everything he did was deliberate, measured, and beautiful. His focus on the food, the precision in his every action—it all felt like a slow dance.

Her mouth went dry when he turned to her with the perfect bite, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He blew on it lightly, before holding the bite to her lips.

"Hoorie," he murmured softly,  His voice was warm, almost tender, and it made her heart race in a way she couldn't explain.

She opened her mouth instinctively, but as the bite was bigger than she anticipated, her eyes widened slightly as she struggled to chew it without looking too awkward. She  looked utterly cute in that moment, trying to handle the large bite without it falling apart. Ayaan couldn't help but chuckle at her expression, his heart swelling with affection for her. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, soft and lingering, the feeling of his lips against her skin making her blush furiously.

Before she could fully react, Ayaan did something that sent her heart into a wild frenzy. He carefully made another bite with the same spoon she had just used, the very same spoon that had just touched her lips. His gaze remained locked on hers, intense and almost challenging, as he brought the bite to his own lips.

Hooriya's heart thudded loudly in her chest. The intimacy of the moment wasn't lost on her, and the simple act of him using the same spoon felt like a confession, one without words but rich with meaning. Her cheeks flamed, and she felt heat rise to her face, a mixture of embarrassment and something else—something that made her heart race even faster.

He ate the bite slowly, never breaking eye contact. The way his lips moved, the way he kept his focus on her—it made everything inside her feel both overwhelmingly tender and painfully intense. She couldn't tear her eyes away, and it felt like the world had narrowed down to just the two of them, their quiet exchange filled with unspoken words and an electricity neither could ignore.

And just like that they had their dinner with shy glances and full hearts.

"Balcony ka darwaza band kar ky soya karo, kitny dafa kaha hain maine!" he exclaimed as he headed towards it, Hooriya behind him.

She bit her lip and nodded.

"I'll see you tomorrow hmm." He whispered holding her face in his palms. Her cute nod made him smile and then he was gone, descending from the same pipe he had come up from. 

____

The night was peaceful, the soft murmur of the evening filling the air. The light from the lamps inside the house flickered gently, casting long shadows on the walls. From the window of their bedroom, Jalal and his wife, Hazal, stood side by side, both observing the scene unfolding in front of them. Their  softened by the years, noticed every movement of their son as he made his way through the quiet courtyard.

From the angle of their window, they had a perfect view of the balcony outside Hooriya's room, and beyond that, the small pipe that connected the upper floors of the house. As Ayaan appeared near the balcony, a familiar sight to both parents, Jalal's lips curved into a sly smile. He had seen this act before, though not for quite some time. It was a typical Ayaan move—quiet, almost comical, but with an air of firmness that only he could pull off.

Ayaan, in his usual quiet way, had apparently decided to make his exit via the same pipe he had used earlier to sneak into Hooriya's room. Jalal watched with a mix of amusement and fondness, raising an eyebrow as his son began his descent.

His wife was sitting near the window, her delicate fingers brushing over the fine fabric of her shawl. Her eyes caught the same sight, and she let out a soft, knowing laugh. Without taking her gaze off Ayaan, she gestured toward him and whispered with affection, "Dekhlain... apne bete ke kaam."

Jalal chuckled, leaning closer to the window. "Sharm to bilkul nahi ati badtameez ko" he said, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes as he watched Ayaan inching down the pipe, his movements determined. The father's pride was evident in the way he observed his son—careful yet unafraid to take risks.

Hazal leaned closer to him, her face glowing with soft amusement. "Akhir aapka hi beta hai," she teased gently.

Jalal turned to her with a mock pout, feigning indignation, but the corners of his lips betrayed him. "Main? Kab? Aise kaam toh maine nahi kiye!" His eyes never left Ayaan, who had now reached the base of the pipe and was stealthily making his way to the courtyard below. The sight was almost comical—Ayaan, so dignified most of the time, now clinging to a pipe with all the grace of a  burglar.

Hazal couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, don't act so innocent, Jalal. You were  maybe even worse than my cutie pie."

Jalal let out a hearty laugh, his shoulders shaking slightly with the force of it. "Maybe... but I didn't have to sneak around when I was young. I had... other ways of making an exit," he said with a wink, nudging his wife playfully.

"Ishq kar betha hai hamara  beta." Jalal kissed his begum's head and she nodded her head in his chest.

" Paglon wala." she replied

They both laughed quietly, but there was a warmth in their voices that came from years of shared history, from watching their son grow into someone who could make them proud even in his less-than-conventional moments. Watching Ayaan silently disappear into the night, the father and mother shared a rare moment of quiet pride.

__________

Aoa!

what do you guys think will happen next?

Lots of love <3

Laiba-