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After the whole scenario, I walked into my room, freshened up, and changed into a T-shirt and casual pajamas. Grabbing my laptop, I settled down to finish my pending work.
I was so immersed in it that I didn't notice anythingâuntil I heard my wife's voice screaming my name.
"Sufiyaan! Sufiyaan!"
She stormed into the room, her face flushed red with anger.
"Kya hua? Behra nahi hoon main, itna gala phaad kar kyun chillaa rahi ho? Calm down, biwi," I said, trying to diffuse whatever storm was brewing. But instead of calming down, she shot me a deadly glare.
"Agar behre nahi ho, toh muh mein barf jam gayi hai? Muh khol ke jawab de dete jahil aadmi !" she snapped sarcastically.
I sighed and walked toward her, trying to understand what was setting her off this time.
"Hua kya hai, yaar? Itni kyu jal rahi ho gusse mein? Meri galti kya hai?" I asked in a calm tone.
Her hands clenched into fists.
"Mujhe tumpe itna gussa aa raha hai na, Sufiyaan, ke mera dilâ" She started but suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
I frowned. Before I could react, I felt an icy chill on my face.
Cold water.
She had just thrown an entire glass of water at me.
"Pagal ho gayi ho kya, chudail?!" I shouted in disbelief.
"Pehle nahi thi, ab ho gayi hoonâtumhare saath reh ke!" she shot back, eyes blazing.
I wiped my face with my hand, glaring at her. "Sach mein tumhe doctor ki zaroorat hai. Screw dheela ho gaya hai kya dimag ka? Psychiatrist ki appointment le lun?" I mocked.
"Chup karo!" she screamed, smacking my arm.
"Sufiyaan, tum aise kaise kar sakte ho? You know Zeeshan is doing this marriage for his so-called revenge, and you supported him! Sharam nahi aayi tumhe? Ek ladki ki zindagi aise barbaad karte hue? Haan?! Itna bhi nahi socha ke hum bhi aisi cheez se guzar chuke hain?"
She folded her arms, her expression twisted with disappointment and anger.
I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. "Maine koshish ki thi usse rokne ki!" I defended myself.
"Mujhe pata hai yeh galat hai, par Zeeshan apni zid par ada tha. Agar maine uska saath na diya hota, toh bhi woh yeh sab kartaâaur iss baar apni jaan ko khatre mein daal kar. Mere paas koi aur option nahi tha!"
She stared at me, her chest rising and falling with heavy breaths, searching my face for any sign of remorse.
But what could I say? I knew she was right.
And yet, I had been powerless to stop it.
She scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Koi aur option nahi tha?" she repeated, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Toh tumhe Zeeshan ka saath dena sabse behtar option laga? Ek ladki ki zindagi barbad karne ka? Wah, Sufiyaan, wah!"
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Tum samajhne ki koshish kyun nahi kar rahi ho? Zeeshan ka dimaag itna garam tha ke usse rokna mumkin nahi tha. Agar maine saath nahi diya hota, toh bhi woh yeh sab akela kar letaâshayad aur bhi bure tareeke se."
"Aur tumne socha ke uska haath thaamne se sab theek ho jayega?" she mocked, taking a step closer. "Usse samjhane ki jagah tumne uske saath milke uski galti ko aur bada bana diya!"
I clenched my jaw, trying to stay patient. "Maine samjhane ki puri koshish ki thi, lekin uske dimag mein sirf badle ki aag thi!"
She laughed bitterly, crossing her arms. "Badla? Kis baat ka badla? Kya guarantee hai ke uska so-called revenge justified hai? Aur agar kiya bhi hai, toh kya yeh revenge lena sahi tareeka tha?"
I had no answer to that.
Her eyes softened for a moment, disappointment replacing the rage. "Sufiyaan, main tumse yeh umeed nahi karhi ke tum apne bhai ka sath na dete but usay aur samjhate tou yeh sab sahi ho sakta tha," she whispered, shaking her head.
"I know and I'm tired but at that moment ZeeHan was my priority." I said she sighed.
"Sufiyaan, I think she's a nice girl. Zeeshan has ruined both their lives, and I feel bad for her. But I don't think she's the type to sit and cry over it. She seems strong-headed," she said thoughtfully.
I nodded. "I know. But we can't do anything now. They have to sort this out themselves, and honestly? I want her to teach him a lesson."
She sighed, nodding in agreement.
I watched her for a moment before smirking and pulling her close. She gasped in surprise as my arms encircled her waist.
"Yeh toh thanda paani tumne phenka hai mujh pe, ab saaf bhi khud hi karo," I teased, my voice playful.
She raised an eyebrow. "Kyun? Tumhare hathon mein mehndi lagi hai kya?" she mocked, crossing her arms.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "No, but you can see my hands are kind of busy."
Leaning closer, I entwined my fingers behind her waist and let my cheek brush against hers. She shuddered under my touch.
"Sufiyaan... yehâtumâkya kar rahe ho?" she stammered, her hands pressing lightly against my shoulders in surprise.
I smirked. "Romance. Jo ek husband aur wife ko karna chahiye."
Before she could respond, I placed a slow, lingering kiss on her cheek. She closed her eyes at the contact, and as my lips trailed toward her jawline, I felt her fingers clutch my shirt tightly. Her breathing grew heavy.
But just as I was about to lean in further, she hesitated.
"Par... yeh thoda jaldi nahi hai?" she asked, her voice unsure as she gently pushed against my chest.
I immediately pulled back, frowning. She looked nervousâalmost uncomfortable.
I studied her for a second before asking, "Are you uncomfortable with my touch?"
Surprise and guilt flickered through me as I let go of her waist, stepping back slightly.
"It's not that... it's justâ" She bit her lip, struggling to find the right words.
I waited, but she closed her eyes instead, sighing.
"You just said you wanted to give this relationship a chance, so what's bothering you now?" I asked softly, cupping her face.
She hesitated before whispering, "Tum gussa karoge..." Her eyes met mine hesitantly, looking smallâalmost kitten-like.
I chuckled. "Hala, tum mujhse dar rahi ho kya? Yeh toh miracle hai yaar!" I joked, trying to lighten the moment.
"Main dar nahi rahi... bas nahi chahti ke tum gussa ho ya upset ho," she said with concern, making my heart soften.
I smiled. "You can tell me. Main gussa nahi honga."
She looked at me doubtfully. "Wada?"
I let out a small laugh as she immediately forwarded her palm, demanding a promise. Amused, I placed my hand on hers and nodded.
"Wada."
Whatever was on her mind... I was ready to listen.
lI watched as Hala hesitated, biting her lip. Something was off. She was nervous, avoiding my eyes, and that only made me more impatient.
"Hala, bolo. Kya baat hai?" I urged, my thumb gently stroking the back of her hand.
She took a deep breath and finally spoke. "Woh... maine jo kaha tha... ki main is rishtey ko ek chance dena chahti hoon..."
I nodded, waiting for her to continue.
She gulped and dropped her gaze. "Maine yeh bas uss waqt keh diya tha. Sirf iss liye... kyunki mujhe tum logon ka plan samajhna tha."
The words hit me like a slap.
I blinked, pulling my hand away from hers. "Kya?" My voice was low, dangerously quiet.
She lifted her eyes to meet mine, guilt evident on her face. "Mujhe Zeeshan ki shaadi ke peeche ka asli reason samajhna tha. Tum sab kya kar rahe ho, yeh sab jaanna tha. Isliye maineâ"
I took a step back, scoffing bitterly. "Matlab tumne jo bhi kaha tha... jo bhi dikhaya tha... woh sab jhoot tha?"
"Nahi! Jhoot nahi tha, basâ"
I cut her off, anger simmering inside me. "Bas kya, Hala? Tumne mujhe bewakoof banaya! Mujhe laga tha tum waqai iss rishtey ko chance dena chahti ho... par tum sirf apni chal rahi thi!"
She flinched at my harsh tone, shaking her head desperately. "Mujhe laga tha yeh zaroori hai, Sufiyaan. Main bas sach samajhna chahti thi!"
I let out a humorless chuckle, running a hand through my hair. "Sach? Aur ab jab tumhe sab pata chal gaya, toh kya karogi? Bhaag jaogi? yah same situation hogii humari
She gasped, eyes widening. "Nahi! Aisa kuch nahi hoga!"
"Toh phir kya hai, Hala?!" I snapped at her.
I stared at her, my anger burning through me like wildfire. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. The only reason she had agreed to give this marriage a chance was to learn about our plan?
Everything felt like a lie.
My jaw clenched as I stepped closer to her, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Toh tumne sirf sach jaanne ke liye yeh sab kaha tha?" My voice was low, dangerously calm. "Ek pal ke liye bhi tumne nahi socha ke main yeh sab seriously le sakta hoon?"
She gulped, hesitating. "Sufiyaan... mainâ"
I took another step toward her, my voice softer but laced with intensity. "Ek baat batao, Hala... tum mujhe aur is rishte ko chance kyun nahi dena chahti? Tumhe kabhi bhi kuch mehsoos nahi hota?"
She looked up at me, confusion flickering in her eyes.
I held her gaze, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Jab main tumhare kareeb aata hoon, tab bhi nahi?"
She sucked in a sharp breath, her fingers fidgeting at her sides.
I took another step forward, closing the distance between us. "Jab main tumhe chhoota hoon, tab bhi kuch mehsoos nahi hota?" My hand reached out, brushing her arm lightly, testing her reaction.
She shivered.
I saw it. I felt it.
And yet, she refused to acknowledge it.
Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but she remained silent.
I clenched my jaw, frustration and hurt intertwined inside me. "Sach bolo, Hala. Tumhe waqai kuch mehsoos nahi hota? Ya sirf khud se jhoot bol rahi ho?"
Her breath hitched, and she took a step back, as if trying to put distance between us.
But I had seen it.
She felt something.
She was just too stubbornâor too scaredâto admit it.
Her breath was uneven, her fingers trembling slightly as she stepped back, putting space between us. But she couldn't hide what I had already seen. She had felt somethingâjust like I did.
But instead of answering me, she looked away, blinking rapidly. "Sufiyaan... main pehle tumse ek baat kehna chahti hoon."
I frowned, my frustration simmering down slightly. "Kya?"
She exhaled shakily, her hands clenching at her sides. "Agar mujhe is rishtey ko ek mauka dena hai... toh pehle tumhe mera past jaanna hoga."
I stiffened. "Past?"
She nodded, looking down. "Haan. Main tab tak is rishtey mein aage nahi badh sakti jab tak main apna pura sach tumse na keh doon. Lekin... main abhi tayyar nahi hoon."
Something in her voice cracked, making my chest tighten.
She lifted her gaze to meet mine, her eyes glassy. "Main chahkar bhi abhi apna past share nahi kar sakti, Sufiyaan. Mujhe waqt chahiye. Par main yeh bhi jaanti hoon ke tum bohot mehnat kar rahe ho... aur yeh sab dekhkar mujhe aur bhi bura lagta hai."
Her voice trembled slightly, and I realized just how much this was affecting her too.
I let out a deep sigh, stepping closer, but this time with softness rather than intensity. Slowly, I reached for her hands, holding them gently in mine.
"Hala, tumhe mujhe abhi batane ki zaroorat nahi hai," I said softly, my thumbs stroking the back of her hands. "Jab tak tum khud tayyar na ho, tab tak main nahi poochunga."
She looked up at me, surprised. "Lekinâ"
I shook my head. "Nahi, Hala. Tum pehle se hi itni takleef mein ho. Main aur pressure nahi dalna chahta. Jab tum tayyar ho, tab bata dena. Tab tak... main intezaar karunga."
Her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out. Instead, her fingers curled slightly around mine, as if she didn't want to let go.
For the first time, I saw a different kind of emotion in her eyesâone that wasn't just resistance or hesitation.
It was trust.
And I knew, no matter how long it took, I would wait for her.
Hala didn't say anything for a moment. She just stood there, her fingers gently curled around mine. Her silence made my heart poundâwas she still hesitant?
But then, before I could react, she suddenly took a step forward and wrapped her arms around me.
I stiffened, completely caught off guard.
She was hugging me?
Her hands clutched the back of my shirt tightly as she buried her face into my chest. I could feel her warm breath against my skin, her heart beating just as fast as mine.
Slowly, my arms came up, hesitantly resting on her back. She held me like she needed thisâlike she needed me.
My anger hadn't fully faded, but this... this was something I hadn't expected.
"Thank you," she murmured against my chest.
I swallowed, my fingers tightening slightly around her waist. "Kis liye?"
She lifted her head, her face mere inches from mine. "Intezaar karne ke liye," she whispered, her voice laced with sincerity.
I just stared at her, my breath hitching. She had never looked at me like this before.
And then, before I could process what was happening, she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my cheek.
I froze.
What...?
Her lips lingered for a second before she slowly pulled away, her eyes searching mine nervously as if waiting for my reaction.
I was shocked.
Halaâthe same girl who always argued with me, pushed me away, and refused to acknowledge anything between usâhad just kissed me.
A part of me wanted to smirk, to tease her about it, but another part of me was still upset.
I exhaled deeply, closing my eyes for a second before looking at her. "Tum yeh sab kar rahi ho, par abhi bhi mein gussa hoon" My voice was softer, as I teased her.
She lowered her gaze, playing with the hem of my shirt. "Par tumne wada kiya tha badtameez.
I shook my head, letting out a small chuckle. "Tum ek din mujhe pagal kar dogi."
She smiled slightly, resting her forehead against my chest. "Pata hai."
"Phir hum sath mein physiatristke pas chalnge" I joked as she giggled and hit my chest.
I laughed , wrapping my arms around her fully this time, holding her against me.
Even though I was still upset, I couldn't deny it anymore.
She was breaking my patience.
And she was breaking my walls, too.
Hala held onto my arm, her fingers wrapping around it gently as she pulled me toward the bed. I let her, still watching her with narrowed eyes, my mind still caught between frustration and the unfamiliar warmth spreading inside me.
She made me sit down, then silently reached for the tissue box on the bedside table. Taking out a tissue, she sat beside me, carefully wiping my face where she had thrown water earlier.
Her touch was soft, delicateâalmost like she was trying to make up for what she had done.
I watched her closely, my gaze locked on her face as she focused on dabbing my skin dry. And then, she did something unexpectedâshe reached out, held my chin between her fingers, and tilted my face slightly to make sure she had cleaned every drop.
That was it. I had to ask.
"Hala... tum yeh sab kyun kar rahi ho?" My voice was low, cautious.
She blinked and tilted her head slightly, looking at me as if I had asked the dumbest question in the world. "Tumne hi toh kaha tha saaf karne ke liye."
I exhaled, shaking my head in disbelief. "Haan, par mujhe nahi pata tha ke tum itni tameezdari se karogi."
A small, amused smile tugged at her lips as she placed the tissue aside. Without saying anything more, she stood up and walked to the other side of the bed, pulling the blanket slightly as she lay down.
I sighed and followed, lying down beside her.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then, as I closed my eyes, I heard her soft voice.
"Ab bhi naraaz ho?"
I nodded once, keeping my eyes closed.
She hummed, as if thinking of a solution. And then, her voice came out in a whisper.
"Main tumhari dil ki dhadkan sunna chahti hoon."I cracked one eye open, giving her a look.
"Toh stethoscope le aao aur sun lo." I taunted, smirking slightly.
She huffed, rolling her eyes. "Nahi, main aise sunna chahti hoon."
Before I could ask what she meant, she shifted closer and placed her head gently on my chest.
I froze for a second, caught off guard by the sudden intimacy.
Her warm breath fanned against my shirt as she relaxed, pressing her ear against me, listening to my heartbeat. Her small hand rested lightly on my stomach, her fingers barely gripping the fabric of my t-shirt.
Something in my chest tightened.
Slowly, a small smile tugged at my lips. Without thinking much, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer.
She didn't protest.
Instead, she snuggled in a bit more, as if this was the safest place she could be.
I could feel her breathing, slow and steady, as she listened intently to my heartbeat.
There was silence for a moment. A peaceful one.
Then, out of nowhere, she mumbled, "Sufiyaan... tumhare dil ki dhadkan sunai nahi de rahi."
I opened my eyes slightly, frowning. "Kya?"
She lifted her head just a little, looking genuinely concerned. "Haan, sach mein. tum zinda toh ho na?"
For a second, I just stared at her.
Then, a deep laugh rumbled from my chest as I shook my head.
"Pagal ladki, main ek insaan hoon ya insaaniyat ka akhri namoona jo tum yeh sab check kar rahi ho?"
She pouted. "Mujhe laga kahin gusse mein tumhara dil dhak dhak karne band na kar de."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Hala, mera dil band nahi ho sakta. Tum ho na usko tang karne ke liye or tum sach mein cardiologist ho na?"
She smacked my chest lightly, making me laugh even more.
I wrapped my arms around her again, pulling her closer as I let out a final chuckle.
"Bas, ab chup ho jao aur so jao. Warna sach mein dil ka patient bana do mujhe."
She giggled softly before resting her head back on my chest.
I sighed, closing my eyes. "Meri Pagal chudail ," I murmured, feeling my anger melt away.
And just like that, with her head on my chest and my arms around her, we both drifted into sleep.
The shrill ringing of my phone cut through the silence of the night, dragging me out of deep sleep. I groaned, frowning as I reached for it blindly. My fingers brushed against the screen, and I squinted at the caller ID.
Zeeshan.
I rubbed my face tiredly, blinking away the haze of sleep. Yeh ek hi ghar mein dusre kamre se call kar raha hai? I sighed, already knowing this couldn't be good.
Carefully, I shifted, making sure not to disturb Hala, who was curled up beside me. She stirred slightly, her face peaceful, oblivious to the chaos waiting for me outside. I gently lifted her head, placing a pillow under it so she wouldn't wake up
.
Then, grabbing my phone, I got up and walked out to the balcony, the cool night air hitting me instantly. The sky was ink-black, the city lights flickering faintly in the distance. A deep sigh left my lips as I answered the call.
"What do you want now, Zeeshan?" I asked, my voice laced with exhaustion.
On the other end, I could hear his heavy breathing, the sound of his footsteps pacing against the concrete. His voice, when it came, was strainedâdetached, yet urgent.
"I need you to block all the roads."
My brows furrowed instantly. "The hell is that supposed to mean? Have you lost it?" My voice sharpened, irritation creeping in. "Neend mein hai kya? Yeh pagalpan kab khatam hoga?"
Silence. But it wasn't the silence of hesitationâit was the silence before a storm.
And then, his voice cut through, raw and desperate.
"Bhai, Noor bhaag gayi hai!"
My entire body went rigid.
For a moment, I thought I had misheard him. But noâhis ragged breathing, the panic in his voice, told me this was real.
I shot up from my relaxed posture, my heart pounding. "Kya?!"
"I need to get her back, Sufiyaan! I can't explain more, pleaseâjust do this for me, I beg you!"
I ran a hand through my hair, my fingers tightening around the phone. Noor had run away? At this time? How? Why? My mind spun with endless questions.
Without wasting another second, I started walking back inside. "Send me your locationâI'm coming there right now." My voice was firm, urgent.
"No!" Zeeshan snapped. I could hear the sound of tires screeching in the background, his hurried footsteps echoing. "I don't need backup. Hayaan bhai's guards are already with me. I just... I need you to do whatever it takes. I can't let her get away. Please, bhai."
The weight of his words sank into my chest, heavy like a boulder pressing against me.
I inhaled sharply, trying to think logically. "Zeeshan, I can't do that without Hayaan bhai's help. It's too risky. The authorities will notice. We can't afford that kind of heat right now."
But he wasn't listening.
"I don't care about the authorities," he snarled, his voice dripping with frustration.
"I need my family's support at this moment, and you are refusing? Seriously?!" His voice dropped to something more dangerous now, laced with unrestrained fury.
I exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of my nose. He was losing control, and I needed to ground him before he did something reckless.
"Zeeshan, calm down. I will help you."
Silence again. I could hear his uneven breaths, the tension thick between us.
"Then block the damn roads." His voice was unwavering. "Ask bhai. Ask Dad. I need to see the Sikandar family's power tonight. Do you understand me, bhai?"
I clenched my jaw, my mind racing.
I gritted my teeth. Noor running away was already a disaster, but if she had gone with someone else... this could spiral out of control.
I glanced back at the room where Hala was sleeping peacefully, completely unaware of the storm outside.
Turning back to the phone, I spoke, my tone low but decisive. "Theek hai. Main bhai se baat karta hoon. Par Zeeshan, tu kuch bhi stupid mat karna. Samjha?"
With that, the call ended.
I let out a heavy sigh, gripping the balcony railing as the weight of the situation settled on my shoulders.
I walked back into the room, my mind clouded with Zeeshan's words, the urgency pressing against my chest like a weight I couldn't shake off. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a soft glow over the room, and just as I reached for my jacket, I heard Hala's sleepy voice.
"Sufiyaan...?"
I turned to see her sitting up, rubbing her eyes. Her brows furrowed as she looked at me. "Kahan ja rahe ho?"
I sighed, not wanting to drag her into this chaos. "It's just something related to Zeeshan. Tum so jao, I'll handle it." My voice was gentle, but firm.
But she didn't lay back down. Instead, she threw the blanket aside and got out of bed, standing in front of me. "Agar Zeeshan ki wajah se tum pareshaan ho, toh main bhi arahi hoon."
I frowned. "Hala, yeh zaroori nahi hai. Tum thaki hoâ"
"Aur tum nahi ho?" she interrupted, crossing her arms. "Agar yeh itna serious hai ke tumhe iss waqt jaana pad raha hai, toh main bhi chalungi."
I sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. When Hala made up her mind, she didn't back down.
"Theek hai, jaldi tayaar ho jao."
She nodded and quickly went to change, slipping into a comfortable night suit. When she returned, she looked at me expectantly.
Without a word, I reached for her hand, entwining our fingers. Her grip was warm, steady.
Together, we stepped out of the room and walked down the dimly lit hallway toward Hayaan bhai's room.
.
The night was calm, the kind of silence that usually brought peace after Tahajud, but tonight, something felt off.
I had just finished my prayer, my hands still warm from supplication, when I got up and adjusted my hijab. Letting out a soft sigh, I wrapped my dupatta over my head loosely, preparing to lay down.
Hayaan was sleeping, but he kept shifting in his sleep, as if sensing something was wrong. I was just about to join him when a sudden knock at the door made me freeze.
My heart jumped. It's so late... who could it be?
Taking a deep breath, I slowly walked to the door and opened it.
Sufiyaan and Hala stood outside, both looking tense. The urgency in their expressions made my stomach drop.
"Sab khairiyat hai na?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.
Sufiyaan exhaled sharply before speaking. "Noor bhag gayi hai. Aur Zeeshan bhi uske peeche gaya hai usko lene. Aap bhai ko uthayengi? It's urgent."
My eyes widened in shock. Noor ran away? And Zeeshan...?
I quickly nodded, stepping back into the room.
Turning toward the bed, I gently tapped Hayaan's arm. "Hayaan..." I called softly, but he woke up with a start, his hand immediately reaching for mine.
"Ap theek hain?" His first instinct was to check on me, his voice thick with sleep yet full of concern. His warm hand over mine made my heart clench.
I nodded. "Main theek hoon, lekin Sufiyaan aya hai. Woh aap ko bula raha haiâZeeshan se related kuch hai."
Hayaan sighed, rubbing his temple. I could see the tension settling into his features, the exhaustion of responsibilities weighing heavy on him. But he didn't waste a second. He got up immediately and walked out, and I followed behind him.
In the living room, Sufiyaan quickly explained everythingâZeeshan's demand, how Noor had run away, and how Zeeshan had gone after her in desperation.
I could feel the storm brewing in Hayaan's silence. His jaw clenched, his eyes darkening as he absorbed the information. He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly before pulling out his phone.
Without hesitation, he called his guards first, his voice calm but commanding. "Zeeshan ka location batao. Abhi."
I watched as he listened, nodding stiffly before cutting the call. Then, without wasting a second, he called his technical assistant. His tone remained unreadable, but there was an edge to it now. "Har exit road seal kar do. Abhi. Aur mujhe live updates chahiye."
Meanwhile, Sufiyaan was already handling another part of the situation, speaking to the commissioner. His voice was firm, making sure police backup would be available if things got out of hand.
The tension in the room was thick, the air heavy with unspoken fears and frustrations.
I knew they were angry. I knew they were worried. But more than anything, I knew how much they cared for Zeeshan, despite everything.
Wanting to do at least something to help, I quietly slipped away toward the kitchen.
They would never admit it, but they needed a moment to breathe.
So, I decided to make them some coffee.
As I stood in the kitchen, the dim light casting long shadows, my mind kept replaying everything that had happened in the past hour. Noor ran away. Zeeshan went after her. The situation was spiraling out of control.
I was shocked. How could Zeeshan do something like this? After everything, I expected better from him.
Yet... as much as I was disappointed in his actions, there was something I couldn't ignore.
The desperation in his voice. The sheer panic in his eyes when Sufiyaan mentioned Noor running away. That wasn't just ego or angerâthere was love there. Real, raw, painful love.
But love alone wasn't enough. Not when it came at the cost of someone's freedom.
I sighed, shaking my head as I reached for the coffee mugs. Just as I was lost in thought, I felt a presence behind me.
"Bhabhi?"
I turned to see Hala standing there, watching me with curious eyes.
"Hala?" I blinked, straightening. "Tum yahan?"
She smiled softly. "Main dekhnay aayi thi ke sab theek hai ya nahi. Aur shayad... thodi madad bhi kar dun."
I managed a small smile at her thoughtfulness. "That's sweet of you. I was just making coffee for us."
She stepped closer, picking up the sugar jar. "Bhabhi... aap pareshan lag rahi hain."
I let out a deep sigh. "Woh Zeeshan... I can't understand him, Hala. Main us se naraz bhi hoon, disappointed bhi, lekin jab uski aankhon mein dekha na..."
I hesitated.
Hala tilted her head. "Kya dekha?"
"Pyaar," I admitted, my voice softer now. "Woh Noor se sach mein mohabbat karta hai."
Hala frowned, stirring a spoonful of sugar into one of the mugs. "Agar mohabbat karta hai, toh yeh sab kyun? Yeh zabardasti, yeh gussa?"
I nodded, understanding her frustration. "Kyunki kabhi kabhi log pyaar ko samajhne mein der kar dete hain. They think control is love. That if they hold on tighter, they won't lose the person they love. Lekin pyaar kisi ko qaid karne ka naam nahi hai, Hala. Pyaar... azaadi ka naam hai."
Hala smiled slightly. "Aap hamesha itni gehri baatein kyun karti hain, Bhabhi?"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Shayad iss ghar mein sabse badi bahu hone ki wajah se."
She giggled. "Phir mujhe bhi kuch gehri baatein sikhani parengi."
I nudged her playfully. "Tum already bahut samajhdar ho."
"Bhabhi, aapse ek sawal puchu?" she asked, tilting her head.
I raised an eyebrow, already sensing some mischief.
"Haan, pucho."
She took a sip of her coffee, eyeing me curiously. "Aapko nahi lagta Hayaan bhai bohot short-tempered aur... thode boring hain?"
I almost choked on my coffee. "Kya?" I coughed, patting my chest as she giggled.
"Matlab, I get it, he is mature, responsible, family-oriented, blah blah blah. Lekin bhabhi, woh kabhi haste nahi! Itni serious personality hai jaise duniya ka saara bojh unhi ke sir pe hai. CM & all boring. Akele mein bhi aise hi hote hain kya? Ya sirf hum sabko daraane ke liye aise behave karte hain?" Hala wiggled her eyebrows teasingly.
I laughed, shaking my head. "Tumhe sach bataun?"
"Obviously! I'm curious how you fell in love with Mr. Short-Tempered and Serious." She grinned.
I pretended to think, tapping my chin. "Haan, shuru mein mujhe bhi laga tha ke Hayaan sirf gussa karne aur lecture dene ke liye bana hai. Jab pehli baar mile the, mujhe laga tha yeh insaan kabhi smile bhi nahi karta."
Hala nodded eagerly. "Exactly! Mujhe toh lagta hai agar Hayaan bhai mirror ke samne bhi khade ho, tab bhi khud ko serious look denge."
I burst out laughing. "Itni bhi buri halat nahi hai, Hala."
She narrowed her eyes. "Toh phir? how did you fell in love with his personality? Koi secret hai?"
I smiled softly, swirling my coffee. "Pata hai, jab kisi ko sirf bahar se dekhte ho na, toh sirf uski gussa ya serious side dikhai deti hai. Par jab tum usse samajhne lagti ho, toh chhupi hui cheezein samne aati hain. Hayaan sach mein bohot caring hai, bas woh dikhata nahi hai."
Hala tilted her head, eyeing me with curiosity as she leaned against the kitchen counter. "Bhabhi, sach batao, Hayaan bhai akele mein bhi aise hi serious aur gusse wale hote hain?"
I smiled, shaking my head. "Bilkul nahi. Tum sirf unki ek side dekhti ho, jo duniya ke liye hai. Lekin jo unhe sacchi mein jaanta hai, usko pata hai ke Hayaan bohot caring aur sweet hain."
Hala raised an eyebrow. "Sweet? Woh bhi Hayaan bhai? Yeh toh mujhe life ka sabse bada surprise lag raha hai!"
I giggled. "Haan, main maanti hoon ke woh thode serious hain, itne expressive bhi nahi hain, lekin mujhe unki har baat samajh aati hai. Mujhe unke words ki zaroorat nahi padti. Unke actions hi kaafi hain."
Hala folded her arms, smirking. "Matlab, chup-chap romance karte hain?"
I blushed slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Matlab... woh chhoti chhoti cheezein jo koi notice nahi karta, woh karte hain. Mujhe kabhi unhone daanta tak nahi, na kabhi mujhpe awaaz uthayi."
Hala's eyes widened. "Ek second... matlab Hayaan bhai sirf dusron ko daantne ke liye rakhe gaye hain?"
I burst out laughing. "Aisa kuch nahi hai! Bas woh har kisi ke saath waise nahi hote jaise mere saath hote hain."
Hala dramatically sighed. "Bhabhi, mujhe seriously doubt ho raha hai. Kahin ye koi secret deal toh nahi thi, ki duniya ke liye strict aur aapke liye secretly romantic?"
I laughed, shaking my head. "Bas itna samajh lo, jitne woh bahar se strong aur serious dikhte hain, andar se utne hi zyada soft aur caring hain. Bas woh dikhate nahi."
Hala playfully groaned. "Hayaan bhai ki image meri aankhon ke saamne bilkul ulat-pulat ho rahi hai!"
"Waise Hala, tumhari aur Sufiyaan ki relationship kaisi chal rahi hai? Ab bhi ladte rehte ho ya phir sach mein chance de rahe ho ek doosre ko?" I asked her changing the topic.
she sighed dramatically, adjusting the tray in my hands. "Ladna toh humari hobby hai, lekin ab thoda kam ho gaya hai.
I smirked . "Ohh, toh ab pyaar zyada ho raha hai?"
she rolled my eyes, but a small smile played on her lips.
"Pyaar ka pata nahi, lekin ek doosre ko samajhne ki koshish kar rahe hain. Slow le rahe hain, bina kisi zabardasti ke. Pehle na, mujhe lagta tha ke ye sab sirf zabardasti ho raha hai, par ab... ab thoda real lagne laga hai."
My face softened as she gave me a knowing look. "Achha? Matlab Mr. Mood Swing bhi effort daal rahe hain?"
she chuckled. "Haan, daal rahe hain. Woh apni taraf se try kar rahe hain, aur main bhi. Pehle toh bas jhagda hota tha, ab thoda samajhna bhi shuru ho gaya hai."
I nodded in approval. "That's a good start, Hala. Kabhi kabhi relationship time leti hain, par agar dono chahein, toh sab theek ho sakta hai."
she exhaled, smiling slightly. "Haan, dekhte hain aage kya hota hai. Abhi ke liye bas ek doosre ko jaan rahe hain, bina kisi pressure ke."
I gave me a warm smile and placed my hand on her.. "Mujhe yakeen hai, tum dono apni equation samajh jaoge. Bas ek dusre ko time aur space dete raho."
She smiled . "Wohi kar rahe hain. Bas dua karen Sufiyaan ki extra teasing aur mood swings se bachne ka patience milta rahe!
Aairah laughed, shaking her head. "Ameen!"
With that, we both giggled. We finished preparing the coffees, placing them onto a tray with some snacks. As we picked it up, I took a deep breath
."Chalo, dekhte hain yeh dono bhai ab tak kitna gussa ho chuke hain."
Hala smirked. "Umeed karti hoon ke woh coffee inka gussa thoda kam karde."
Together, we walked back into the living room, where Hayaan and Sufiyaan were still deep in conversation, tension lining their faces. As we set the cups down, I silently prayed that this night wouldn't end in more chaos than it already had.
We all sat in silence, the tension in the air thick enough to cut through. As we waited, the heavy front door creaked open, and our heads turned simultaneously. Zeeshan walked in, his grip firm around Noor's hand. Their faces were pale, exhaustion visible in their every movement.
Sufiyaan was the first to step forward, concern evident in his voice. "Tum log theek ho?"
Zeeshan simply nodded, but Noor remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the floor. I glanced at Hayaan, noticing how stiffly he stood, his expression unreadable.
He didn't move, didn't even acknowledge Zeeshan. But I knew my husband well enough to see the turmoil beneath his cold exterior. He wanted to go to him, to embrace his younger brother, but his anger held him back.
I sighed and stepped closer, whispering to him, "Hayaan, agar tumhe uski itni fikar hai toh baat kyun nahi kar rahe? Galti ki hai usne, magar gussa chhodo. At least haal toh puch sakte ho."
His jaw clenched. "Aairah, fikar toh rahegi. Chhota bhai hai mera. Lekin uski galti itni badi hai ke main usse baat nahi karna chahta. Yeh uski punishment hai."
I knew there was no point in arguing. Hayaan was stubborn, and once he made up his mind, it was nearly impossible to change it.
Hala quietly walked toward Noor, handing her a glass of water. Noor took it without a word, drinking it all in one go as if she hadn't had water in ages.
Meanwhile, Zeeshan stepped closer to Hayaan, standing right in front of him, his eyes pleading.
"Bhai, mujhe pata tha aap meri madad karenge. Aap ab bhi mere liye fikar karte hain." His voice was shaky as he reached for Hayaan's arm. "Mujhe pata hai aap mere liye kuch bhi karengeâ"
Before he could finish, Hayaan jerked his arm away.
His next words were cold, calculated. "Maine yeh sab tumhare liye nahi kiya. Maine sirf Sikandar naam aur reputation ke liye kiya. Mujhe koi risk nahi lena tha."
I saw the way Zeeshan flinched, his eyes dimming at the harsh response. Hayaan's words cut through him deeper than any wound ever could.
Zeeshan swallowed hard, stepping back slightly. "Bhai, mujhe pata hai maine aapko bohot dukh diya hai. Lekin please mujhe maaf kar dijiye. Main sharminda hoon. Mujhe meri galti ka andaza hai... mujhe jhoot nahi bolna chahiye thaâ"
Before he could complete his sentence, his body swayed, and within seconds, he collapsed.
"Zeeshan!"
Our screams filled the room as Hayaan lunged forward, catching him before he could hit the ground. Panic surged through me as we carefully laid him down on the couch.
Hayaan tapped his cheek, his usual sternness replaced with worry. "Zeeshan! Zeeahan Aankhein kholo!"
Sufiyaan quickly grabbed a glass of water and splashed it on Zeeshan's face. He stirred, his eyelids fluttering open weakly. A breath of relief escaped my lips.
I quickly assessed him, noticing how weak he looked. "Hayaan, uska jacket utar dein," I instructed.
As Hala rushed back with her medical bag, Hayaan and Sufiyaan removed Zeeshan's jacket. But the moment they slid it off, a collective gasp echoed in the room.
His white shirt was drenched in blood.
My breath hitched. My eyes widened in shock.
"Allah! Yeh... yeh sab khoon? yeh kaise hua?"
Hayaan stiffened, his grip tightening on Zeeshan. His expression turned from worry to anger in a matter of seconds. He turned toward Noor, his voice booming across the room.
"Yeh kaise hua? Ap batayen, Noor!" His fury made me flinch. Noor visibly trembled, her fingers clutching my arm for support.
I instinctively placed my hand on Hayaan's biceps , whispering, "Hayaan, aap usse dara rahe hain. main karahi hun baat."
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair in frustration turning to zeeshan worried .
Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, Noor spoke.
"Maine kiya."
Silence.
Her confession sent a chill down my spine. My eyes snapped to hers in disbelief, and from the stunned expressions around me, I knew I wasn't the only one shocked.
The moment Noor's confession left her lips, the room erupted into chaos.
Sufiyaan's voice thundered through the walls. "Pagal ho gayi ho tum?! Yeh kya tareeqa hai?! Agar usko kuch ho jata toh?!" His frustration was evident, his hands clenched into tight fists.
Noor, instead of cowering under his rage, shot back, her voice just as loud. "Toh mera kasoor kya hai?! Meri zindagi kharab ki hai aapke bhai ne! Aur jaane bhi nahi de raha tha, toh maine maar diya! Maine kuch galat nahi kiya! Yehi layak hai!"
I was stunned. Noor's outburst was raw, full of anger and pain. She wasn't just defending herselfâshe truly believed what she had done was justified.
Before Sufiyaan could respond, Hayaan's deep, cold voice cut through the argument like a blade.
"Enough is enough."
His sharp gaze locked onto Noor, his expression unreadable. "Mere bhai ki jitni galti hai, utni apki bhi hai. Mana ke isne jhoot bola, lekin mere sources se mujhe pata chala hai ke apko sab kuch pehle se pata tha."
Noor's lips parted slightly, as if to deny it, but Hayaan wasn't finished.
"Toh kyun kiya apne yeh nikaah? Haan? apko jo bhi karna tha, apne apni marzi se kiya. Zeeshan ko sirf blame mat karo, kyunki apne bhi uska utna he istamaal kiya hai apne aapko bachane ke liye. Agar itna masla tha, toh shaadi se pehle mana kar deti, app Lekin aise nahi kiya apne, kyunki apko bhi apne father se bachna tha so don't balame him."
His words were like iceâcold and merciless. Noor stood frozen, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, unable to counter him.
For the first time that night, silence filled the room.
I exhaled in relief, silently thanking Allah that every room in the house was soundproof. Otherwise, the entire family would have woken up to this storm.
Hala, ever the practical one, stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Sufiyaan, Zeeshan ko room mein le chalo. Maine uski dressing kar di hai, lekin usse rest ki zaroorat hai uska bp bhi bahut low hai."
She had given him an injection, and Zeeshan was already drowsing, barely conscious. Without another word, Hayaan and Sufiyaan helped him up, carrying him to his room, while Hala followed behind them with her medical bag.
As the others left, my gaze fell on Noor.
She stood there silently, her shoulders shaking as she criedâsmall, soundless sobs, like she didn't want to be heard.
My heart ached for her. Whatever had happened between her and Zeeshan, she was still just a girl in a new house, surrounded by new people, wearing a wedding dress that no longer held any meaning for her. She looked lost, fragile, and exhausted.
Without a word, I reached for her hand. She flinched at first, but when she realized it was me, she let me hold it. Gently, I squeezed it before leading her toward my room.
"Yeh lo, yeh dress change kar lo. Phir baat karenge."
Noor blinked at me through tear-filled eyes, hesitating. But after a moment, she took the dress from my hands and disappeared into the washroom.
I sighed, sitting on the edge of my bed, rubbing my temples. This night had been long, painful, and full of revelations. And something told me that the chaos was far from over.
As Noor was in the washroom, I thought to get her something to eat. She had been through a lot tonight, and whether she admitted it or not, she needed food.
I walked to the kitchen and warmed up some chicken curry, placing it on a plate with two chapatis. I wanted to pour some juice for her aswell
I moved to the upper drain , reaching up to grab the glasses from the upper drawer, but no matter how much I stretched, my fingers barely touched them.
I sighed in frustration, standing on my toes when suddenly, a shadow loomed behind me.
Before I could react, a strong arm effortlessly reached past me, grabbing the glass I was struggling to get. I froze.
Hayaan.
His presence was undeniableâso close that I could feel his warmth against my back. His scent, crisp and familiar, surrounded me, making my breath hitch.
He placed the glass on the slab beside me, but as I turned around, I miscalculated the distanceâonly to find myself trapped between the counter and him.
My back hit the slab, and my heart pounded.
His deep brown eyes met mine, curiosity flickering in them. "Aap yahan kya kar rahi hain?" He asked, his voice low.
Before I could answer, his hand unintentionally pushed the upper drawer shut, and it smacked right into my forehead.
"Ouch!" I winced, rubbing the sore spot on my forehead. It didn't hurt much, but before I could reassure him, Hayaan panicked.
His hands were instantly on my face, cupping it gently as his eyes scanned me with worry. "I am so sorry! Zyada lagi kya? I didn't realizeâgalti se haath lag gaya mera. Aap theek hain?"
His concern was so pure, so immediate, that I couldn't help but smile slightly despite the situation.
"Hayaan, main theek hoon. Zyada nahi lagi, bas halka sa chot lagi hai. Kuch nahi hua," I said, placing my hand on his arm to calm him down.
But he wasn't convinced.
Still holding my face, he gently took the edge of my dupatta and blew cool air onto the sore spot. His fingers brushed lightly against my skin as he examined me, his expression filled with guilt.
"Are you sure?" He asked again, his voice softer this time.
I nodded. "Haan, bilkul."
He sighed, relief washing over his features. And then, before I could react, his hand moved to the nape of my neck, pulling me slightly closer.
I barely had time to process before I felt the soft press of his lips against my forehead.
A slow warmth spread through me, and my eyes fluttered shut. His touch, his presenceâit was comforting in a way I couldn't describe.
For a moment, he stayed there, resting his forehead against mine.
The world around us blurred into silence, and all I could feel was the rhythmic beating of my heart against my ribs.
I hesitantly opened my eyes, meeting his gaze as he slowly pulled back, his eyes searching mine.
And for the first time in a long time, I felt at peace.
He frowned, his eyes dropping to the tray in my hands. "Aairah, yeh sab kya hai? Apko is waqt bhook lag rahi hai? Apne khana nahi khaya tha?" His voice was confused but laced with concern.
I sighed, shaking my head. "Hayaan, yeh Noor ke liye hai."
His jaw tightened as he exhaled sharply, running a frustrated hand through his hair. "That girlâI don't know what she wants. Agar bhagna hi tha toh shaadi kyun ki? Usne Zeeshan pe haath bhi utha diya, and now she's here, acting like the victim. I really don't know what to do with them."
I could see the exhaustion in his face, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. But I also knew his anger was coming from a place of hurt.
Stepping closer, I placed a hand on his arm.
"Hayaan, uske bhi apne reasons hongay na. Woh bhi theek nahi hai, khush nahi hai. Naya ghar, naye log, alag mahaul... choti hai, uska bhi dil toota hoga."
He didn't reply immediately, but I could see the way his expression softened slightly. His shoulders, once rigid, eased just a little.
"Aur jo usko samajh aaya, usne wahi kiya," I continued gently. "Zeeshan ne bhi toh galti ki thi na? Lekin hum phir bhi uske saath khade hain. Noor ke saath bhi thoda sabr karna hoga."
Hayaan let out a deep breath, nodding slightly but saying nothing. I knew he wasn't completely convinced, but at least he was listening.
"Isliye koi toh us bechari ke saath hona chahiye jisse woh baat kare," I said softly, hoping Hayaan would understand that Noor needed support.
His gaze darkened slightly, an unreadable emotion flashing in his eyes. "Aur apke siwaye woh kaun ho sakta hai?" His voice was lower now.
"Aap toh sabko samajhti hain, phir mujhe kyun nahi samajh rahi? Kyun chhod ke ja rahi hain?"
Before I could register what was happening, he took a sudden step forward, closing the distance between us. I instinctively moved back, only to feel my back press against the door. My breath hitched.
His hand came up, pressing against the door beside my head, effectively caging me in. His face was mere inches from mine, and my heart pounded wildly in my chest.
"Hayaan..." My voice came out softer than I intended, barely above a whisper.
"Humne uss bare mein baat ki thi, na?" I reminded him, my fingers gripping the edge of the tray I still held. "Aur aapne mujhe time diya hai."
His jaw clenched, and I saw the way he took a deep breath as if trying to calm himself. His eyes, still locked onto mine, held an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
And then, just as suddenly, he exhaled and stepped back.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, but before I could compose myself, I felt the warmth of his palm against my cheek.
I blinked up at him in surprise as he cupped my face, his thumb grazing softly over my skin. My breath hitched, my body betraying me as a shudder ran down my spine. His touch was warm, familiar yet intoxicating, making it impossible to think straight.
His eyes held mine, filled with something raw and unspoken. A silent plea. A quiet desperation.
"Aairah... bohat mushkil hai yeh mere liye, aapse door jaana," he murmured, his voice almost hesitant, as if admitting it out loud made it all the more real.
A lump formed in my throat. I had tried so hard to stay strong, to remind myself of the distance I needed to maintain. But at this moment, standing so close, feeling the warmth of his hands against my skin, I felt my resolve crumbling.
"Mere liye aapse zyada mushkil hai," I whispered back, my voice barely audible, but I knew he heard it.
"Tou mat jayen na ap" He whispered His grip on my face tightened just slightly, his forehead leaning against mine as he exhaled deeply, as if carrying the weight of the emotions neither of us could put into words.
And in that moment, nothing else matteredâjust the two of us, standing in the quiet stillness of the night, caught in a battle between love and restraint.
Hayaan mein jaun? Woh intezaar kar rahi hogi mera," I asked, my voice softer than I intended as I changed the topic.
For a second, he didn't reply. His dark eyes studied me, something unreadable flickering behind them. Then, he exhaled, straightening slightly.
"Aapko mujhse puchne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Aap apni marzi ki malik hain."
His words held no bitterness, no angerâjust quiet acceptance. But it was the way he said it, the way his gaze held mine for a fraction longer than necessary, that made my stomach twist.
I nodded, not trusting myself to say anything more.
As I turned away, walking back toward my room, I could still feel the weight of his stare on my back, burning into me like an invisible tether pulling me toward him.
Maybe tonight had been a mess, tangled in emotions neither of us knew how to untangle.
But deep down, I knewâsomehow, some wayâthings would eventually fall into place.
Chapter's Aesthetics
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For all those who think it was all Zeezhan's fault but I think noor is involved too she also used him for her own reasons.
I missed Sufiyaan and Hala's banters so much so added a little hope you liked it!! ð¥
And Aairan has my heart Hayaan being the cuttest for his wife-ð¥¹â¤ï¸ They give me butterflies!!ð¦
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