There were numerous things in Dina Farooqi's life that weren't in her favour. And one of them was Yaseen Hamidi.

Guilt had started seeping in through her veins like a slow poison which was efficiently prodding under her skin bit by bit.

Dina hated feeling this way, she hated that she felt anything for Yaseen, let alone guilt. He had been carrying her in his arms for around forty minutes now and hadn't complained one bit. Dina was for once sure, that his arms were sore. But, the stubborn man-child refused to put her down as he animatedly chatted away with Meboob, the pervy receptionist.

Dina felt immense guilt, why you ask? That was because she had finally come to her senses. She realised she had taken out her frustration on Yaseen when he was all along trying to help her.

The pain of her broken ankle, the utter humiliation he had caused to her by insulting and her added oversensitivity towards things got the best out of her. The pent up anger finally unleashed and she slapped him. And definitely harshly she must add.

Yaseen nevertheless, didn't throw a tantrum, he vaguely just threatened her. And Dina knew from the bottom of her heart that, Yaseen would never raise his hand on her. It was an empty threat.

Dina tilted her head as she gazed at him. He was explaining something to Meboob as his eyes furrowed. Dina felt her chest burst with another wave of unconditional guilt as her blood ran cold. A bluish bruise was forming on his left cheek, with five marks that seemed to resemble finger prints.

Dina slowly raised her hand as she grazed her fingers lightly against his bruised cheek. Flinching when her cold fingers came in contact with warm skin.

Yaseen turned his head towards her and eyed her with confusion causing her to swiftly retrieve her hand back.

Tears had already started to build up in Dina's eyes as she hide her face in her hands.

"Oye! What happened? Why are you crying? Is your ankle hurting alot?" Yaseen whispered impatiently as concern laced his voice.

Dina just shook her head silently as she continued sobbing in his chest.

"What happened then? Koi tumhare ankhon mein ghus kar mar gaya hai?"

(Has died after climbing into your eyes?)

Dina let out a drowsy chuckle as she raised her tear stained face to look at him. Yaseen could swear his breath hitched and heart stopped for a second when his eyes met hers. Ocean blue against honey brown.

It seemed like the colur of Dina's eyes has watered down and melted to form molten chocolate which was falling down her cheeks in sheer transperancy. Yaseen felt a strong urge to kiss those tears, but stopped himself as he saw Dina giving him a guilty watered down pout.

Just then, Yaseen's phone rang bringing him out from the outlandish trace.

Yaseen sighed, as he nodded towards Dina indicating that he was going to put her down. Dina nodded back in acknowledgement as her feet touched the ground.

Yaseen let out a painful hiss as he stretched his arms before grabbing his phone from the back pocket.

Aur bano hero tum. Ab bus koi waahiyaat gaane par beech sadak par naachna reh gaya hai., mocked his conscious.

Answering his phone Yaseen spoke something to the other person on line nodding.

That is when Dina realised, that they were standing in front of a large haveli that was decorated like a bride While she was looking around she also noticed that Mehboob was nowhere to be found.

Where did he go?

Suddenly from the darkness of the haveli emerged a boy that looked a little younger than Yaseen bit older than Dina. He wore glasses and had minimal facial hair that surprisingly complimented his unkempt tousled hair. He reminded Dina of a very young Henry Cavill.

"Meezan! How are you, man? Tumhara wo behuda bhai kahan hai?" Yaseen who had finished talking on the phone exclaimed as he grabbed the boy in a hug.

(Where is your shameless brother?)

"Bhai chupke se Ayah bhabhi ko milne gaye the, Baba ne unhe dekh liya aur ab bus be-sir murge ki tarah maafi maangte phir rahe hai." The boy, Meezan, explained humourously.

(He went to meet sister in law but dad caught him. Now he is roaming around like a headless chicken and asking forgiveness.)

"Bada majnu banne ka shauk hai tumhare besabre bhai ko" Yaseen exclaimed as her looped his arm around Meezan's shoulder.

(Your restless brother has the habit of become Romeo)

Meezan grinned but, his forehead scrunched in confusion as he looked at Dina who was standing behind Yaseen mutely.

"I thought you came alone, bhai?"

Yaseen turned around sparing Dina a glance before replying to Meezan.

"Yeah, that was the plan. But, my cousin wanted to join. I have already informed Shehry. He said it wasn't a problem."

Cousin?, Dina felt something in her chest shift as she heard him utter that. Yes, she was his cousin, but they were also in each other's nikkah. Did he forget that?

"Arrey, It's obviously not a problem. Shaadi ka ghar hai. The more people the better." Meezan smiled, passing a quick nod to Dina.

Soon, Meezan and Yaseen walked inside with their bags as Dina trailed behind them like a lone puppy. Her mind in utter confusion and heart in a chaotic mess.

•••

Dina sat in front of a girl, who was chatting aimlessly about 'how much she hated weddings, but loved the food'. Normally, Dina would've activily participated in the conversation because it was something that she absolutely understood and stood by. But there was nothing normal about her circumstances. So, she nodded her head and hummed every now and then.

Dina had also come to realise that Yaseen had brought them to this haveli because it was his best friend Shehryar Zardari's wedding to his high school sweetheart, Aylah Ashfaq.

Yaseen had been priorly invited for a week long stay at the Zardari haveli for Shehryar's wedding functions. But, Yaseen had lied to Shehryar that he had to tag Dina along with him because of parental pressure and since her vacation was going on. So, Shehryar had graciously invited Dina too.

Dina caught on soon that, Yaseen wanted to keep their nikkah a secret. It pricked at her heart. But, she knew it was for the best. Why would he even want to be with her? Their nikkah was meaningless and was a selfless compromise Yaseen had done for Dina. For his whatever reasons that were.

Dina also got to know that, the young Henry Cavill; Meezan Zardari, was Shehryar's younger brother and the girl sitting in front of her was Noor Zardari. The younger sister of the Zardari brothers.

"Anyways, tonight is the mehendi function, tomorrow is the nikkah and after that is the walima. I am glad you are here. Mujhe humesha say na koi chahiye tha jo meri bak-bak bina koi problem ke sune." Noor exclaimed, grabbing Dina's hands.

(I always wanted someone who would listen to my chatter without any problem)

Dina let out a chuckle as she shook her head in disbelief. Just then, a knock resonated throughout the room as Dina looked up towards the door. Yaseen stood leaning against the door frame as he smiled weirdly.

"Kya hogaya hai, Yaseen bhai?" Noor questioned, as she tilted her head towards him.

(What has happened?)

"Noorie, jao tumhari ammi bula rahi hai. Tumhara koi lehenga alter karke aa gaya hai."

(Go, your mother is calling. Your dress has been altered)

"Haye Allah! Dina, you have to see it. Wo lehenga to jannat se utra hua hai. Aur main use pehenkar to jannat ki hoor dikhungi." Noor gushed, as she grabbed Dina's hand going towards the door.

(The dress looks like it has come down from heaven. I'll look like an angel wearing it.)

"Waise to iblees bhi jannat se hi utra tha. Kahi sabko heart attack na dedo, shaytaan ki bhanji." Yaseen grinned, causing Noor to glare and raise an accusing finger at him.

"Aapka mooh na bohot chalne laga hai. Ab to bus aapki biwi hi aapko line par layegi. Phir jutiya khate phirna. Chalo Dina, eise delusional bakre ka kya hi kar sakte hum aam log." Noor said flipping her hair as she pushed Yaseen aside.

( Your mouth is working too much. Now your wife will only keep you in check. Then you'll roam around getting hit by shoes. Come on Dina, what can we commen people do about this delusional goat.)

The word biwi, caused Dina to stiffen. This didn't go unnoticed by Yaseen.

"Ohh delusional Bakri. Leave her and go. I have to talk to her." Yaseen exclaimed, wrapping his finger around Dina's wrist.

"Had hai yaar. Banda thodi to akal karleta hai. Baad mein baat karlena." Noor whined.

(What is this? A man should have some sense. Talk later)

"I have to talk to her about something important. She'll be down with you in ten minutes." Yaseen said pointedly.

Noor glared at Yaseen causing him to sigh in frustration.

"It seems like you and Dina have gotten married in the span of few hours. Can't you leave her for a few minutes. She is not going to run away to her in-laws place."

Noor scoffed as she muttered "Jaahil Aadmi", Dina smiled softly as she looked at Noor.

"It's okay, Noor. You go I'll come down in a few minutes after talking with Yaseen Bhai." Dina said, emphasing the word 'bhai'. From the corner of her eye, she saw Yaseen's eyes widen as he seemed to choke on his own spit.

Noor sighed as she excited the room not before shooting a sharp glare towards Yaseen.

"Mein tumhe aapna bhai lagta hoon?" Yaseen whisper yelled as he closed the door behind them.

(Do I seem like your brother?)

"Isme lagne ki kya baat hai, Aap to hain mere bhai." Dina shrugged innocently.

(What is there to seem, you are my brother?)

"Kaunsi manhoosiyat, sikha ke gayi hai tumhe Noor? Jahannum mein bhi na honga mein tumhara bhai. Aur ye 'aap' kyu keh rahi ho. Itni izzat mujhe raas nahi aati" Yaseen shrieked grabbing her shoulders and shaking her.

(What bad things has Noor taught you? Even in hell I'll not be your brother and why are you even calling me with so much respect and can't digest this tough pill)

Dina sealed her lips in a tight line as she eyed Yaseen.
"I am your cousin right? You are older then me so bhai hi buloungi na."

"Phehle kabhi to nahi di itni izzat. Infact, meri insult karne ka mauka chahiye hota tha tumhe bas. Ab kis keede ne kaat liya?" Yaseen frowned as he touched Dina's forehead checking for fever or any signs of mental illness.

(You never gave me so much respect before. Infact you always wanted an opportunity to insult me. Now suddenly which insect has bitten you?)

Dina jerked away from Yaseen and sat on the bed.

"What do you want, Yaseen Bhai?"

Yaseen groaned clutching his head. Why was she being this way?

"I want you to stop calling me 'bhai'. Humara nikkah hua hai Dina Farooqi. Ab tum Dina Yaseen Hamidi ho. Shauhar lagta hoon main tumhara. Even if this nikkah is based on no emotional or physical attachment. We are still in a very much real nikkah." Yaseen finally breathed out, looking directly into Dina's eyes.

(We are married. I am your husband)

Dina's stance froze as she breathed heavily.Dina Yaseen Hamidi. Shohar.
Suddenly anger gushed through her veins.

"Ab yaad aaya tumhe? I thought you had forgotten." Dina whispered harshly causing Yaseen to sigh in relief at the same time stare at her in confusion.

"What--" Yaseen began but Dina cut him off placing her hand on his lips. She realised it was pointless to say anything to him. He wasn't to blame. And she was at mistake. She was asking for too much, when she herself was giving in very little effort.

"I am sorry." Dina whispered, through her chapped lips.

Yaseen scrunched his forehead. He seemed to be doing that a lot today.
Why was she apologizing? She never apologized to him. It was so unlike her.

He kneeled down and sat on his knees in front of her, grabbing her soft hands in his calloused ones.

"Are you alright?" He whispered softly as he tried holding her gaze. But she looked anywhere but at him.

Honestly, No. She was not okay. She seemed like a mess at the moment and only wanted someone to gather her back together and hold her tight. And her pathetic heart desperately wished it was him who did it.

She slowly nodded her head as she stared into space.

"Pagal aurat." Yaseen whispered, almost endearingly if that was even possible. "Stop worrying about pointless things. I don't know what has gotten you so pale and worried but all I can say is, I am here. I am always here for you."

Dina stared at him glassy eyed, hug me, yaseen. Make me feel like home again.

Was she possibly home sick?

But, Yaseen did nothing, he just sat there rubbing circles on her wrist. It was oddly comforting and was calming down Dina somehow.

A tingling sensation erupted in her stomach as if a whole zoo has been opened. Dina felt heat creeping up her neck. Just, then Noor's loud noise rang from outside.

Dina, slowly got up and and tried withdrawing her hands from his hold. Her head bowed down.

Holding both of her wrists in his one hand he moved his other hand and tucked a lone hair behind her ear.

"Chodein, Yaseen Bhai." She whispered, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

Yaseen in shock loosened his hold on her and she swiftly withdrew her hands and ran out.

A look of pure disgust graced his face as her sighed falling back in the bed.

"Manhoos ladki"

•••

The Zardari Haveli was echoing with delirium and chaos as people ran from one corner to the other. The smell of delicious kebabs, biryani, nihari and other delicacies lingered in the air mixed with the pleasant smell of frest cut flowers that hug around the haveli.

There were a few girl who were sitting around in a circle and getting their hands painted with rich mehendi. The background echoed with low musical notes.

Dina skipped down the stairs trailing behind Noor. Both of them were dressed in almost identical ghararas. Noor wore a peach gharara while Dina adorned a lavender one. Noor's hair was knotted into a low bun while Dina's hair was braided intricately in waterfall French braid.

Both of them looked gorgeous as they walked down hand in hand. They had grown immensely fond of each other in the few hours they had spent together.

"Masha'allah, you both look beautiful." Gushed Noor's mother as she kissed each of their cheeks.

"Noor, go and call your Meezan bhai. He has to check upon the eating arrangements." Her mother said.

"Ammi, mujhe mehendi lagani hai. Jaldi lagaongi to rang chadega." Noor whined.

Her mother threw her a stinky glare but, Dina interrupted.

"Aunty, it's okay. I am anyways going to search for Yaseen Bhai. I'll call Meezan Bhai too."

The older women smiled softly placing a hand on Dina's head while glaring at her daughter who was already applying the mehendi on her hands.

Dina strutted around the corridors searching for her shohar.

His words rang in her ears like an old broken record.

Dina Yaseen Hamidi.

Shohar lagta hoon mein tumhara.

A blush coated her cheeks crimson as she blushed thinking about it. Did he accept their nikkah? Was there a possibility that they could end up together?

She liked that idea very much. But on the other hand. She hated to think about him abandoning her or divorcing her.

Suddenly she collided with a moving wall, causing her to lose her balance. She was bracing herself to be hit with the hard floor, but two muscular hands wrapped themselves around her waist causing her to heave a breath of relief. Just then, her eyes clashed with a pair of unfamiliar orbs that were staring at her from behind the glasses. Dina placed her hands on his chest as she steaded herself.

"Are you alright?" The Henry Cavill look-alike questioned nervously.

Dina nodded slowly as he unwrapped his hands from her waist.

"A-apko aapki ammi bula rahi hai." Dina stuttered out, fidgeting with her dupatta.

(Your mother is calling you)

The boy nodded his head as he lowered his own gaze feeling flustered. This was awkward.

He was about to leave, when something tugged at his wrist. Her bracelet had gotten stuck to his cufflinks.

"M-eezan bhai?" Dina muttered nervously as he tugged at the bracelet a little harshly.

He looked up frazzled.

"Carefully Please."

The boy nodded his head as he worked his way to remove the bracelet. A little cautiously this time.

Placing the bracelet in her palm without touching her he called her.

"Jee?"

"Sirf Meezan bula sakti hai aap." Saying this he walked away with a shy smile leaving behind a flustered Dina.

(You can call me Meezan)

All this was witnessed by Yaseen Hamidi, who stood glaring at the duo. Ready to punch something or someone as a matter of fact.

He wasn't going to let her go this time. Last time he almost lost her to that chuzey ka baccha, Zeeshan Abdullah. And this time, he wasn't going to do the same mistake and lose her completely to a baddak ka baccha, Meezan Zardari.

He was going to put forward his feelings and and would do it in every right. She was his biwi after all.

•••

a/n

Helloo! Salam mere beautiful kabootars!

Did you enjoy the chapter?

Le author walking away after introducing drama

I was very sceptical while publishing it. Please do let me know how you found it.

Yasi boi is going to do pyaar ka izhar in the next chapter. *wink wink* what do you think will happen?

Also I absolutely love Meezan! He is such a cutie <3

Maybe Dina and Meezan should end up together? Don't you think?

Also, a quick announcement, I did a q/a session with Yaseen on my instagram. Do check it out in the highlights if you like. You can find the link to my Instagram in the bio.

And, last but not the least, this book has reached 10k reads! Jazakallah khair guys!

Alrightyy, Insha'Allah if time permits I'll try updating on Eid.

Until them shower loads of comments!

Byee

~flawfully