Here goes the chapter one of my favourite ones- the target is 1k votes and 900 comments because the chapter is long- so complete the target then only ask for the chapter-â¨
I stood frozen, my entire world tilting on its axis. My heart pounded against my ribs, caught between disbelief and overwhelming joy.
Hayaan's confession had struck me like a stormâunexpected yet everything I had ever longed for. Years of buried emotions, silent hopes, and unspoken words unraveled in an instant, leaving me breathless.
I had spent so long pretending, so long convincing myself that what I felt for him was just a passing phase, an impossible dream.
But now, hearing those words from his lips, seeing the depth of emotion in his eyesâit shattered every wall I had built.
The love I had tried to suppress for years surfaced all at once, raw and uncontainable.
And I didn't know how to respond.
I felt a lump form in my throat, emotions crashing over me like waves, too powerful to hold back. So, I did the only thing I couldâI let my heart take over.
I cried.
Not out of sorrow, not out of pain, but out of the sheer intensity of the moment. Out of the overwhelming realization that the love I had carried within me for so long was not one-sided.
That after all these years, after all the stolen glances, silent prayers, and sleepless nights wondering if he ever felt the sameâhe did.
I sobbed into his chest, clutching onto him like he was my lifeline. My fingers fisted into his clothes as I tried to ground myself, trying to believe that this wasn't just a dream I would wake up from.
His arms tightened around me, pulling me impossibly closer, his warmth seeping into me, calming the storm raging in my chest.
His hand gently cradled the back of my head, his touch reassuring, comfortingâeverything I had ever needed.
He lifted me effortlessly, as if I weighed nothing, carrying me into the room with ease. His hold on me never wavered, as though he was afraid to let go, as though he wanted to hold onto this moment just as much as I did.
Gently, he set me down, but I wasn't ready to let go. My fingers still clung to his shirt, unwilling to break this fragile moment between us.
I looked up at him, my vision blurred with unshed tears, my breath still uneven from the overwhelming emotions coursing through me.
I searched his face, my heart trembling with one questionâwas this real?
Was fate finally on our side?
My hands trembled as I reached out, my fingers hesitating before tracing the outline of his face. I needed to feel him, to confirm that this wasn't some cruel trick my heart was playing on me.
That he was really here. That this moment was truly ours.
The second my skin met his, a shiver ran through me.
His warmth. His presence. His gaze, soft yet intense, holding nothing but love, devotion, and a silent promise of forever.
A sharp breath left my lips, my fingers still resting against his cheek, my heart hammering against my chest.
Hayaan didn't move, didn't flinch. Instead, he leaned into my touch, his eyes never leaving mine. It was as if he, too, needed this confirmation.
As if he, too, was afraid this was all just a fleeting dream.
At that moment, nothing else existed. No past, no future. Just us.
"Hayaan... mujhe abhi bhi yaqeen nahi ho raha yeh sab sach haiâap yahan hain, humara aise saath hona... kahin yeh koi khwab toh nahi?" I whispered, my voice barely audible, as if speaking any louder would shatter the fragile reality around me.
My heart was still struggling to accept that this was realâthat he was here, with me, after all these years.
Hayaan's gaze softened, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips.
He reached out and cupped my face gently, his touch warm against my cold skin.
"Aairah, yeh sab haqeeqat hai, koi khwab nahi," he murmured, his forehead resting against mine. His breath fanned over my face, sending a wave of warmth through me.
I closed my eyes, letting his words sink into my soul. After all the pain, the longing, the years spent wondering if we'd ever find our way back to each otherâthis moment felt like a miracle.
A dream I had wished for, prayed for, but never dared to believe would come true.
Then, without another word, he pulled me into his embrace. His arms wrapped around me protectively, as if he was afraid I'd slip away.
One hand cradled the back of my head, his fingers threading gently through my damp hair, while the other rested securely around my waist.
I could hear his heartbeat, steady yet fast, mirroring my own.
I melted into him, my body surrendering to the comfort of his warmth, his presence. My hands clung to his shirt, as if anchoring myself to the only thing that felt real in this moment.
My eyes burned with fresh tears, but this time, they weren't of pain or sadnessâthey were of relief, of overwhelming happiness.
I had waited for this. I had longed for this.
And now that he was here, holding me like this, I never wanted to let go.
But then, a sudden realization broke through the haze of emotionsâI felt the damp fabric of our clothes clinging to my skin. We were still soaked, and if we stayed like this any longer, we'd both end up falling sick.
Reluctantly, I pulled back, though every part of me protested the distance. I looked up at him, my hands still resting on his chest.
"Hayaan, aap kapde badal lijiye... main aapke liye kapde le aati hoon," I said softly, my voice laced with hesitation. I didn't want to move away from him, not yet.
He hesitated for a moment, as if contemplating whether to let me go. Then, with a small nod, he released me, though his fingers lingered against my skin for just a second longer.
I turned away, exhaling shakily as I removed his shawl from my shoulders. It was heavy with moisture, carrying the scent of rain and him.
I took it to the balcony, hanging it up to dry as the cold night air brushed against my skin. My mind was still spinning, my heart still racing.
But nothing could have prepared me for what awaited me when I stepped back inside.
I froze.
My breath hitched in my throat. My eyes widened in shock.
Hayaan stood in the middle of the room, shirtless.
His damp hair fell messily over his forehead, droplets of water still clinging to his skin.
The dim lighting cast shadows across his sculpted chest, accentuating every sharp contour, every defined line of muscle. He wasn't just beautifulâhe was breathtaking.
I felt my cheeks flush instantly. My heart pounded so hard I feared he might hear it. I turned away abruptly, trying to compose myself, but in my haste, I had forgotten one thingâ
The mirror.
My breath caught as my gaze unintentionally met his reflection. He was staring at me already.
Not just staringâwatching me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. His dark eyes held something unreadable, something that made the air between us shift, thickening with an emotion I wasn't ready to name.
My fingers curled into my palms as I swallowed hard.
"M-main... kapde..." I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. But the words felt stuck in my throat, lost in the tension that now crackled between us like lightning before a storm.
His lips parted slightly as if he was about to say something, but he didn't. Instead, he took a step closer, his gaze never wavering. I could feel the heat radiating from him, the undeniable pull that had always existed between us.
I sucked in a breath, my pulse erratic. My mind screamed at me to look away, to break free from the spell of the momentâbut my heart? My heart wanted nothing more than to stay right here, caught in his gaze, drowning in the way he was looking at me.
He came closer slowly, a sharp breath escaped my lips as I felt his hand slowly snake around my bare waist, his warm fingers pressing lightly against my damp skin.
A shiver ran through me, but I wasn't sure if it was from the cold or the effect of his touch. My body tensed, yet I didn't pull away. Instead, I found myself looking up at him, my heart hammering against my ribs.
His dark eyes held mine, unwavering, intenseâlike he was trying to memorize every detail of my face, every flicker of emotion passing through me.
The air between us felt thick, charged with something deep, something unspoken.
I swallowed hard, my voice barely above a whisper as I asked, "Aap mujhe aise kyun dekh rahe hain?"
Hayaan exhaled slowly, his lips curling into a small, almost unreadable smile.
His hand didn't move from my waist, his thumb now grazing my skin ever so lightly, sending waves of heat through my body.
"Aap aaj different lag rahi hain," he murmured, his voice deep, huskyâlaced with something that made my stomach flip.
I blinked, suddenly self-conscious. My gaze shifted downward, taking in my own reflection in the mirror.
The wet fabric of my saree clung to me like a second skin, outlining every curve, exposing glimpses of my bare shoulders, my collarbone, my arms. A deep blush crept up my neck.
I bit my lip nervously, my voice hesitant as I asked, "Kaise lag rahi hoon?"
His grip on my waist tightened slightly, and his eyes softened yet darkened at the same timeâa contradiction that made my pulse stutter.
"Bilkul ek khwab ki tarah Ruhum " he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
A deep flush bloomed on my cheeks. My heart skipped a beat. Ruhum. The word rolled off his tongue like silk, wrapping around me, making warmth spread through my entire body.
I lowered my gaze, unable to hold the intensity of his stare. But curiosity tugged at me.
I gathered the courage to look back up and ask, "Yeh kya bulaya aapne mujhe?" My voice was soft, unsure, as I turned slightly in his hold, his hand still resting against me.
His lips parted, as if hesitant to answer, before he finally murmured, "My soul- pyaar ka naam, sirf aap ke liye kyunki ab ap meri rooh ka hissa hain."
My breath hitched. My heart swelled.
I wasn't sure if it was the way he said it, the depth in his voice, or the way his eyes softened as he looked at meâbut something about those words made me feel cherished. Special.
His.
I had waited years to hear something like this from him.
And now that I had, I wasn't sure how to handle the storm of emotions it brought with it.
His soul... I was a part of his soul.
Before I could fully process the emotions surging through me, I felt his arms slowly wrap around me from behind, pulling me against him.
My body tensed for a moment at the contact, the warmth of his bare skin pressing into mine, but I didn't move away.
I couldn't move away.
A deep shiver ran through me as his warmth enveloped me, his presence consuming every inch of my being.
My heartbeat pounded in my ears, my breaths growing uneven as I felt him lean in closer, his lips brushing against my hair.
He inhaled deeply, taking in my scent, a gesture so intimate and tender that it made my stomach flip.
A small smile tugged at my lips, a blush creeping up my neck.
Hayaan... he had always been careful with me, always maintained a certain distance, but tonight was different.
Tonight, he wasn't holding back.
Slowly, he rested his chin on my shoulder, his face right next to mine. I could feel his breath, warm and steady, against my cheek.
Our eyes met in the mirror across the room, and my heart nearly stopped at what I saw.
There was something intense in his gaze, something raw and unguarded. It wasn't just loveâit was devotion.
As if I was the only thing in his world at this moment.
As if he had waited just as long as I had for this closeness, this moment where nothing existed except us.
I swallowed hard, my fingers trembling slightly as they hovered over his arms wrapped around my waist. I wanted to say something, wanted to respond, but words felt unnecessary.
Because in this silence, in this embrace, we were already saying everything.
I had dreamed of this moment for yearsâof Hayaan looking at me like this, of his voice laced with emotions he never dared to express before.
But now that it was happening, I felt completely unprepared, my body betraying me with its reactions. My breath was shallow, my pulse erratic, and my skin burned where his fingers rested against my waist.
I turned to face him fully, his hand still holding me close, unwilling to let go. His dark, unreadable gaze flickered over my face, down to my lips, before returning to my eyes.
The intensity in them sent shivers down my spine, but I refused to look away this time.
"Hayaan..." I whispered, though I didn't even know what I wanted to say. His name simply slipped from my lips like a prayer.
His fingers on my waist flexed, pulling me just a fraction closer, enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his bare chest.
The proximity made my head spin, made my heart pound in my ears. I could feel every breath he took, every subtle movement of his body.
His other hand came up, fingertips grazing my jaw before trailing down the side of my neck, slow, deliberate. I sucked in a breath, my skin tingling under his touch. He was closeâtoo close.
"Aairah," he murmured, his voice husky, sending a tremor through me. How could he make my name sound so intimate?
I felt lightheaded, dizzy from his closeness. My hands, as if drawn by a force I couldn't fight, lifted to rest against his bare chest.
The warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips sent another jolt through me, and I tried to ignore the way his muscles tensed under my touch.
His thumb brushed against my bottom lip, featherlight, making me shudder. My breath hitched, my lips parting slightly as my body betrayed every defense I had tried to build.
"Aap phirse aise kyun dekh rahe hain mujhe?" I asked again, but this time, my voice was barely above a whisper, shaky and uncertain.
A small smirk ghosted over his lips, his eyes darkening even further.
"Kyun ke mujhe yakeen nahi ho raha ke aap mere saamne hain... itni paas." His fingers traced along my cheek, tilting my face slightly upward "Aur shayad is liye bhi ke main chah kar bhi nazar nahi hata sakta apse"
His words sent a fresh wave of butterflies through my stomach, making my knees feel weak.
I felt caged in by his presence, by the way his body hovered so close to mine, by the way his eyes drank me in like he was memorizing every single detail of me.
He leaned in just a little, his lips a whisper away from my temple, his breath warm against my skin.
"Aairah..." his voice was barely a murmur now, his grip on my waist tightening ever so slightly.
My heart felt like it would burst out of my chest. My mind screamed at me to step back, to break this tension before it swallowed me wholeâbut my body? My body wanted nothing more than to stay in this moment forever.
"Hayaan..." I whispered again, not even sure why. Maybe because I wanted to hear him say my name again. Maybe because I wanted to remind myself that this was real.
His forehead pressed against mine, his breaths shallow, uneven. "Agar main kuch kahun... to ghalat to nahi hoga na?" he asked, his voice low, hesitant.
I swallowed, my fingers gripping his biceps lightly for support. "K-kya kehna chahte hain?" I barely managed to get the words out.
His lips brushed against my temple, a touch so soft, so fleeting, it sent a shiver down my spine.
"Ke mujhe aap se door rehna nahi aata, Aairah."
I closed my eyes, my heart completely surrendering to the moment. "To mat rahen" the words left my lips before I could stop them.
My heart was racing, my breathing uneven as I stood there, trapped in the warmth of his presence. His grip on my waist was firm yet gentle, his body impossibly close.
Every inch of me was aware of himâof his touch, his breath, his scent, everything.
I could feel his intense gaze on me, but I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. My cheeks burned, my head slightly bowed as I tried to look anywhere but at him.
The air between us was too charged, too thick with something I wasn't ready to face.
But Hayaan wasn't having it.
His fingers slid from my waist, traveling up my arm in a slow, deliberate caress before reaching my chin. He curled his fingers beneath it, tilting my face up with a gentleness that made my breath hitch.
"Aairah, meri taraf dekhen, Apki nazrein sirf meri taraf chahiye mujhe" he murmured, his voice deep, coaxing, hold a intimidating gesture.
I swallowed hard, but I couldn't disobey him. Slowly, hesitantly, I lifted my eyes to his.
And the moment our gazes locked, I felt my knees weaken.
His dark eyes held an emotion so intense, so raw, that it sent a shiver down my spine. Desire, longing, something deeperâsomething that made my heart stutter.
His thumb brushed against my jawline, his touch featherlight but electric, sending tingles through my entire body.
"Itni sharm kyun rahi hain ap?" he whispered, his voice thick with amusement and something elseâsomething much more dangerous.
I licked my lips nervously, my mind struggling to form a coherent thought. "M-main... nahi... bas..." I stammered, unable to find the words.
A small smirk played on his lips, but his eyes softened as he leaned in just a fraction closer.
""Aapko pata bhi hai... aap abhi kitni khoobsurat lag rahi hain?"
His words, laced with something dangerously soft yet intoxicating, sent a shiver down my spine. My heart pounded in response,
"Meri saans band na ho jaye aapko aise dekh kar..." he murmured, his breath fanning against my cheek.
The heat of his body seeped into my skin, his pulse racing just as fast as mine.
"Meri dhadkanein sunna chahengi aap?" before I could gather my thoughts, he reached for my handâhis touch warm, firm, and deliberate. Slowly, he guided my trembling fingers to his bare chest, pressing my palm against his skin.
A startled gasp escaped my lips as I felt the strong, rhythmic thud of his heartbeat beneath my fingertips, wild and unrestrained. my palm against his skin. A startled gasp escaped my lips as I felt the strong, rhythmic thud of his heartbeat beneath my fingertips, wild and unrestrained.
His voice was almost a plea, almost a challenge. My entire world narrowed to that momentâhis heartbeat beneath my palm, the warmth of his skin against mine, and the quiet, intoxicating pull of his presence.
A fresh wave of heat spread across my cheeks. I looked down again instinctively, but his grip on my chin didn't let me.
"Nahi, Aairah," he murmured, shaking his head slightly. "Mujhse nazar mat churayen aap."
I felt breathless, completely lost in his gaze, in his touch, in the sheer intensity of the moment. My hands clenched his biceps, needing something to hold on to as I felt myself drowning in him.
His thumb moved again, this time tracing the My jawline, sending a jolt of heat through me. I gasped softly, and I saw his eyes darken, his jaw clench slightly.
"Agar Ap mujhe aise dekhna band nahi karengi, toh..." he trailed off, his voice barely a whisper now, laced with something that made my stomach flip.
I swallowed. "Toh...?" I asked, my voice shaky, my heart pounding so hard it echoed in my ears.
He leaned in even closer, his lips barely a breath away from mine. My entire body tensed, my mind blank as I felt the warmth of him surrounding me.
"Toh shayad main khud pe qaboo nahi rakh paunga," he admitted, his voice hoarse, his eyes flickering down to my lips for the briefest second before locking back onto mine.
My breath hitched. My fingers curled against his chest, gripping onto him for support. I knew I should move, that I should create distance between us, but every fiber of my being refused to.
Instead, I stayed right where I wasâlost in him, drowning in the depth of his gaze, waiting to see if he would close the remaining space between us.
The intensity in his gaze made my breath hitch. My fingers, still clutching his arm, trembled slightly as I felt the heat of his body, his closeness intoxicating me.
His hand was still resting beneath my chin, keeping me locked in his gaze, refusing to let me escape the moment.
I felt warmth flood my cheeks, a deep blush spreading across my skin as his words replayed in my mind.
I had never seen Hayaan like this beforeâso unguarded, so vulnerable, and yet so undeniably sure of what he felt.
And something within me melted at that realization.
Slowly, hesitantly, I let my hands move on their own. I lifted them, my fingers trembling slightly as I reached up and cupped his face in my palms.
His breath hitched at my touch, his body going rigid for a second, as if surprised by my boldness.
I could feel the warmth of his skin under my fingertips, the roughness of his stubble against my palms. His jaw clenched slightly, his eyes darkening as he watched me, his breathing uneven.
My heart pounded against my ribs as I leaned closer, my own breath mixing with his. My pulse was erratic, my hands trembling slightly, but I didn't stop.
I let my emotions guide me as I closed the little space between us, pulled his face slightly Downwards.
And then, with a soft sigh, I pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead.
I felt him stiffen slightly under my touch, his hands flexing against my waist as if trying to hold himself back.
My lips lingered against his skin for a moment, savoring the warmth, the quiet intimacy of the gesture.
When I pulled away, I didn't let go of his face. Instead, I let my thumbs brush lightly over his cheekbones, my heart thudding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.
I swallowed hard before leaning in again, my lips grazing the side of his face before placing a soft, lingering kiss on his right cheek.
His breathing faltered. His grip on my waist tightened, his fingers digging slightly into my skin as if trying to ground himself. I could feel his heartbeat against my hands, fast, erratic, matching the storm within me.
A deep flush crawled up my neck, my entire body warm with nervousness, but I couldn't stop myself.
I turned my head slightly, moving to his other cheek, and pressed another soft kiss thereâslow, lingering, as if memorizing the way he felt under my lips.
His reaction was instantaneous. His body tensed beneath my touch, his breath coming out in a sharp exhale.
I could feel the heat radiating from him, the way his chest rose and fell unevenly.
His fingers twitched at my waist, his grip unsure, as if he was torn between pulling me closer and holding himself back.
When I finally pulled away, my face was burning, my entire body buzzing with emotions I had never felt so intensely before.
I was too shy to meet his gaze now, afraid of what I would see in his eyes.
But I didn't have to look.
I could feel the shift in the air, the silent tension that crackled between us like an unspoken promise.
And then, Hayaan did something that made my breath catch.
His hands, still at my waist, slid up my sides with slow deliberation, his touch featherlight but scorching. I gasped softly at the sensation, my fingers tightening against his jaw.
"Aairah..." he whispered, his voice hoarse, almost strained.
I finally forced myself to look at him.
And the way he was looking at me made my stomach flip.
His eyes, dark and intense, held something I couldn't decipher, something deep and overwhelming. His breath was uneven, his lips slightly parted as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
I bit my lip, my heart hammering against my chest. "Aap... kuch kehna chahte hain?" I whispered, my voice shaky.
His gaze flickered down to my lips, and for a second, my breath completely stopped.
And then, he whispered something that sent a shiver down my spineâsomething that made my heart forget how to beat.
"Agar ap mujhe aise chhune lagengi, toh shayad..." He exhaled, his hands flexing against my skin. "Main apne emotions pe aur control nahi rakh paunga, Begum."
His words wrapped around me like fire, igniting something deep within me. My breath came out shakily, my body betraying me as I leaned in just a little closer, drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
I wasn't sure what was going to happen next. But one thing was certain.
Neither of us wanted to step away. The words left my lips before I could stop them.
"Toh mat kariye control."
The second I said it, my own boldness hit me like a wave. My eyes widened, my breath hitched, and a deep blush crept up my neck.
Ya Allah, maine yeh kya keh diya?!
Hayaan stilled. Completely.
His grip on my waist tightened slightly as his dark eyes locked onto mine with an unreadable expression.
For the first time, he looked... shocked. As if he hadn't expected me to say something like that.
My heart pounded wildly against my ribs, my hands trembling as I suddenly felt the weight of my words.
A rush of shyness overtook me, and I panicked.
"M-mainâ" I stammered, quickly trying to step back, but before I could escape, his fingers wrapped around my wrist.
And in the next moment, he pulled me backâhard.
A surprised gasp escaped my lips as my body crashed into his, the warmth of his bare skin pressing against me.
My hands instinctively landed on his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat beneath my fingertips. His other arm snaked around my waist, holding me firmly in place, leaving no space between us.
I sucked in a breath, my face heating up at our sudden closeness. My chest rose and fell against his, my pulse erratic as I looked up at him, my eyes wide.
"Kya kaha Apne?" he asked, his voice low, dangerously soft, making the hairs on my skin rise.
I bit my lip, suddenly regretting everything. "K-kuch nahi..." I mumbled, trying to look away, but he wasn't having it.
His fingers found my chin again, tilting my face up so I had no choice but to meet his intense gaze. His eyes searched mine, dark, filled with something deep and overwhelming.
"Aairah..." he murmured, his voice husky. "Ap jaanti bhi hain apne kya kaha?"
I felt like I couldn't breathe. The way he was looking at me, the way his hand was holding my waist, his fingers pressing gently into my skinâit was all too much.
My lips parted, but no words came out. My body felt like it was on fire, every nerve alive with awareness. I could feel his heartbeat against mine, fast and erratic, just like my own.
And then... his thumb brushed near my lips.
A soft gasp left me, my fingers clutching his chest for support.
His gaze flickered down to my lips, his hold on me tightening slightly. His jaw clenched, his breathing heavy.
The tension between us crackled like fire, dangerous, intoxicating, and I knew neither of us could ignore it anymore.
"Mujhe control nahi karna chahiye ?" he whispered, his breath fanning my skin, sending shivers down my spine. "Aairah, apko andaza bhi hai ap kya maang rahi hain?"
I swallowed hard, my entire body betraying me as I leaned in just a little closer, drawn to the warmth of him, to the way he made me feel things I wasn't ready to admit.
"Pata nahi..." I whispered honestly, my voice trembling. "Par... yeh jo ho raha hai, isse rokne ka bhi dil nahi kar raha Hayaan, meine bohat intezar kiya hai in lamhon ka, Aur jab mein yeh sab mehsoos karahi hoon mein nai chahti ke mein apse door jaun."
His breath hitched. His grip on my waist tightened.
And in that moment, I knewâhe was just as lost as I was.
My heart pounded as he leaned in closer, our noses brushing, his warm breath fanning against my lips.
This was itâthe moment I had been waiting for, the moment I had dreamed about for so long.
I felt my pulse quicken, my fingers trembling as he gently took my hand and placed it around his neck, silently asking me to hold onto him.
His closeness was intoxicating, his touch sending shivers down my spine.
I closed my eyes, surrendering to the moment, feeling the warmth of him, the anticipation crackling between us like fire.
He was so close... just a breath away.
And thenâI pushed him.
"ACHOO!"
I sneezed.
Not just a small, delicate sneeze. No. A full-blown, unexpected, forceful sneeze.
My eyes shot open in horror as I realized what had just happened. My hands flew to my mouth as embarrassment washed over me like a tidal wave.
Ya Allah, yeh maine kya kar diya?!
I stared at him, frozen, mortified beyond words.
Hayaan was stunned. Completely, utterly stunned.
His lips, which had been just inches away from mine, were now slightly parted in shock. His brows lifted, his dark eyes blinking as if trying to process what had just interrupted our moment.
Before I could even think of something to sayâ
"ACHOO!"
I sneezed again.
This time, I managed to cover my mouth, but the damage was already done. My face burned with embarrassment as I felt another one comingâ
"ACHOO!"
I groaned internally, feeling like the universe itself had conspired against me at the worst possible moment.
Hayaan immediately snapped out of his shock, his expression shifting from stunned to pure concern.
"Aairah, aap theek tou hain na?" he asked, stepping closer, his hand gripping my arm gently as he examined me worriedly.
I barely nodded before another sneeze escaped me.
"Mein theâ" ACHOO!
That was it. He looked completely panicked now. His worry overpowered whatever had just been about to happen between us.
Without another second of hesitation, he suddenly pushed me toward the washroom. "Aairah, foran jaake kapray badlein! Sardi lag jaayegi aapko!" His voice was firm, laced with pure concern.
I blinked at him, still half in shock from the ruined moment, but before I could argue, he grabbed the first set of clothes he could find, along with a towel, and shoved them into my hands.
I groaned internally, trying to suppress my embarrassment as Hayaan's concerned gaze bore into me.
His hands were still gently gripping my arms, his brows furrowed as he studied me like I was about to collapse any second.
I quickly shook my head, trying to reassure him.
"Hayaan, kuch nahi hai. It's just a sneeâ"
"ACHOO!"
Ya Allah!
Before I could even finish my sentence, another sneeze attacked me, making my body jolt slightly.
Hayaan's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. That was it. That was his breaking point.
"Aairah, bas! Is tarah chalein ga tou aap definitely beemaar ho jaayengi!" he scolded, his voice laced with frustration and worry.
I opened my mouth to protest, but before I could even get a word out, he let out an exasperated sigh, gripped my shoulders, andâPushed me toward the washroom.
"Hayaan, main theek hoon!" I tried to argue, digging my heels into the ground, but he wasn't listening.
"Bilkul bhi nahi!" He countered, already reaching for the first set of clothes he could find from the closet.
"Aap bhi na! Jab dekho apni health ko lightly leti hain. Pehle bhi bheeg chuki hain aur ab yeh sneezing... Iss rate pe tou aap zaroor beemaar ho jaayengi!"
I huffed, crossing my arms. "Maine kaha na, kuch nahi hâ"
"ACHOO!"
And that was it.
Before I could say anything else, Hayaan literally, opened the washroom door, and practically pushed me inside.
"Abhi. Change. Karen." His voice left no room for argument.
I gasped, turning around in shock. "Hayaan, yeh kyaâ?"
But before I could finish my sentence, click!
The door shut.
I stood there, stunned, holding the clothes he had just stuffed in my arms.
I blinked. Once. Twice.
And thenâ
"Ya Allah, yeh bhi na!"
I groaned, resting my head against the wall, my cheeks burning in frustration.
This was not how I imagined our moment to end. Not like this. First, my untimely sneezes. Now, me being forced into the bathroom like a child who needed to be taken care of.
I sighed dramatically, staring at the towel in my hand before muttering to myself, "Uff Aairah, jab sab kuch perfect ho raha hota hai, tabhi tumhara ek drama ho jata hai."
Still, as much as I was annoyed, a small part of me felt warmth bloom in my chest. Because if nothing else, one thing was clearâ
Hayaan cared about me. Maybe even a little too much.
My momentâour momentâwas ruined. Completely and utterly ruined.
I sighed deeply, shaking my head as I turned toward the mirror, my cheeks still flushed from everything that had happened. Well, at least he was worried about me...
But still, I couldn't help but pout at my own misfortune.
Returning to university after our break should have been a simple thing. Familiar hallways, familiar faces, the same old routine. But nothing felt the sameânot with Noor acting the way she was.
As we were on the way to go- She got out of the house before me, I sat inside the car-
I pulled up beside her as she stood near the main road, waiting. For what? An auto? A taxi Unbelievable.
I lowered the window, already knowing how this conversation was going to go but hoping, just maybe, she'd surprise me.
"Noor, get in." My voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. Or so I thought.
She barely spared me a glance, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "No, thanks. I'll take an auto."
I gritted my teeth, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. "Are you serious right now? You're a Sikandar, Noor. You don't need to take an auto or a taxi."
She let out a short, humorless laugh. "Oh, really? And what does that mean exactly? That I should start acting like someone I'm not? That I should sit in your car and let the world assume things that aren't true?"
I exhaled sharply, my patience thinning. "The world is going to assume things no matter what you do. You think taking an auto changes that?"
She turned to face me fully now, her dark eyes flashing with something between defiance and exhaustion. "Maybe not. But at least it gives me a choice."
I ran a hand through my hair, frustration clawing at me. "Noor, don't be stubborn. It's not about choice. It's about being practical. You think I'm going to let you struggle with rickshaws when I'm right here?"
"I don't struggle, Zeeshan. I manage just fine," she shot back. "And I don't need anyone to 'let' me do anything."
I stared at her, feeling that familiar helplessness whenever she got like thisâso determined to prove a point, even at the cost of her own comfort.
"You think I'm doing this because I feel obligated? Noor, I want you to sit in the car. I want to make sure you're safe."
She sighed, looking away, the tension in her shoulders evident. But before I could push further, she lifted a hand, hailing a passing auto.
And just like that, the driver pulled up, more than happy to take her wherever she wanted to go.
I clenched my jaw.
"Noorâ"
But she was already stepping inside, She didn't look back. Not once.
I let out a slow, frustrated breath and smacked the steering wheel. Of course. Of course, she wouldn't listen. She never did. Noor Sikandarâstill the most stubborn person I had ever met.
I watched in disbelief as the auto rickshaw pulled away. My fingers clenched around the steering wheel, my patience hanging by a thread.
Noor was being impossibleâas always. What did she think? That I was just going to sit back and watch while she went off in a rickshaw like some random stranger?
Enough was enough.
My foot slammed against the accelerator, the tires screeching as I sped forward, overtaking the auto in seconds. Without a second thought, I swerved in front of it, forcing the driver to a stop.
I jumped out of the car, my anger boiling over. "Rok isay!" I ordered the driver, my voice sharp.
Before I could say another word, Noor suddenly shriekedâactually shriekedâfrom inside the auto.
"Uncle, bhaag lo! Drive! Yeh bura aadmi hai, mujhe follow kar raha hai!"
I froze. What?!
The driver turned in his seat, his face twisted in shock and then immediate rage. "Sharam nahi aati larki ko chedte hue?!" he roared at me, gripping the handlebars as if ready to charge at me.
I stared at him, utterly dumbfounded. Did she justâ? Before I could even process what was happening, the words burst out of me. "Chup kar! Biwi hai meri woh!"
Silence.
The driver's anger faltered. His eyes flickered between Noor and me, suspicion still heavy in his gaze.
"Biwi hai?!" he repeated, as if trying to process the words.
Noor, on the other hand, whipped her head toward me, her eyes wide with shock before narrowing into a glare that could kill.
"Tum pagal ho gaye ho?!" she hissed.
I ignored her, turning my full attention to the auto driver. "Haan, biwi hai meri. Ab koi masla hai?" My voice was clipped, my patience gone.
The driver still looked unsure, but at least he wasn't yelling at me anymore.
I turned back to Noor, my tone firm. "Utro."
She folded her arms tightly across her chest, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Main nahi utar rahi. Karo jo karna hai."
I exhaled sharply, stepping closer. "Noor, utro. Warna uthake bithaoonga gaadi mein."
Her glare intensified. "Tum haath lagake toh dekho, Zeeshan!" she seethed, daring me.
I clenched my jaw. "Noorâ"
"Uncle, mujhe lagta hai ye sach mein pagal hai," she muttered to the driver. "Aap please jaldi nikal lo."
The driver looked from Noor to me, unsure of what to do. "Agar biwi hai toh phir yeh auto mein kyun thi?" he asked, still skeptical.
I ran a hand down my face, exasperated. "Bhai, yeh ziddi hai. Sun'ne se inkaar karti hai. Ab tu beech mein mat bol, warna tujhe bhi uthake phar ke neeche phenk dunga-
The driver lifted his hands in surrender. "Bhai, mujhe beech mein mat daal! Yeh aapka ghar ka maamla lagta hai!"
I turned back to Noor, my patience officially snapped. "Noor, utro."
She huffed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Fine!"
With exaggerated reluctance, she got out of the auto, turning to the driver one last time.
"Uncle, zindagi barbad kar di aap ne meri. Mujhe chhod dete toh aap ko duaein milti."
The auto driver just shook his head, mumbling something about "ghar ke jhagde raste pe mat laaya karo."
Noor stomped toward my car, yanked the passenger door open, and threw herself onto the seat, arms still crossed, her expression dark.
I smirked as I got into the driver's seat. "Mujhse zyada aur koi acha insaan milega bhi nahi, Noor."
She shot me a deadly glare. "Mujhe kisi insaan ki zaroorat hai hi nahi!"
I chuckled, revving the engine as we sped off, leaving the stunned auto driver behind. Noor might be stubborn, but she'd have to accept reality sooner or later.
Whether she liked it or notâshe was Noor Sikandar now.
The drive to university was silent, but the air between us crackled with unspoken words. Noor sat beside me, arms crossed, her expression unreadable.
She was clearly fuming, but I didn't care. At least she was in my car where she belonged, not in some random auto.
As soon as I pulled into the parking lot and stopped the car, she turned to me, her eyes sharp and serious.
"Zeeshan, kisi ko mat batana ke hum shaadi-shuda hain."
I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Haan haan, aur main billboard lagwa raha hoon university ke entrance pe likh ke ke Noor meri biwi hai."
She glared at me. "Mujhse mazaak mat karo. I'm serious. Mujhe kisi ko nahi batana."
I exhaled, leaning back against my seat. "Noor, tumhe lagta hai mujhe is baat ka shauq hai? Tum jaanti ho na ke mujhe ye chupane ka koi matlab nahi lagta?"
She didn't waver. "Lekin mujhe lagta hai. Mujhe nahi chahiye ke koi jaane. Koi sawal kare. Koi judge kare."
I clenched my jaw, fighting back the urge to argue. I didn't like it. I hated it. But I knew Noorâonce she made up her mind, she wouldn't budge.
She sighed, looking away before quietly saying, "Agar sach mein kuch karna hai mere liye, toh please yehi karlo."
I stared at her for a moment, taking in the seriousness in her voice, the way her fingers fidgeted in her lap. She wasn't just being stubbornâshe was worried.
I ran a frustrated hand through my hair, inhaling deeply before nodding once. "Theek hai. Kisi ko nahi bataunga."
She looked at me for a moment longer, as if trying to read my thoughts, then gave a small nod. Without another word, she pushed the door open and stepped out.
I watched as Noor walked toward the university building, her back straight, her steps quick, as if she couldn't get away from me fast enough.
I exhaled sharply, gripping the steering wheel. This whole "keep our marriage a secret" thing was ridiculous.
Did she really think no one would find out? That we could just pretend nothing had changed?
I leaned back, drumming my fingers against the dashboard. I had agreedâfor now. But the truth had a way of coming out, and when it did, I'd love to see how she planned on handling it.
Sighing, I got out of the car, locking it before heading inside.
As soon as I stepped into the campus, familiar faces greeted meâsome with a nod, others with a handshake.
It had been a while since Noor and I had been here. People had questions, but I ignored most of them, making my way toward my department.
Then, I spotted her.
Noor stood near the library entrance, talking to a group of her friends. Her expression was neutral, like nothing had changed.
I slowed my pace, watching her for a moment.
She was acting as if she hadn't just walked out of my car.
As if she wasn't my wife.
I smirked. Let's see how long she can keep up the act.
Just as I was about to head inside, someone clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Bhai, kahaan gayab thay itne din?"
I turned to see Hamza grinning at me. One of my closest friends, and also the most annoying. "Bas, kaam tha thoda. Ab wapas aa gaya hoon," I replied casually.
Hamza raised an eyebrow. "Aur Noor? Woh bhi tumhare saath gayab thi. Yeh coincidence hai ya kuch aur?"
I fought the urge to smirk. Here we go. "Coincidence hi samajh lo," I said, shrugging.
Hamza narrowed his eyes. "Sach bata, kuch scene toh nahi hai tum dono ka?"
I let out a small chuckle, shaking my head. "Scene nahi hai, Hamza. Noor waisi hi hai jaisi pehle thi."
"Haan, lekin tum dono pehle aise ek saath nahi aate thay. Abhi dekha maine tumhari car se utarte hue."
Before I could respond, I noticed Noor glancing in our direction. For a split second, her eyes met mine, and I saw the warning in them.
Don't you dare.
I smirked, tilting my head slightly, pretending to consider something. Then, just to mess with her, I gave Hamza a vague answer.
"Chor na yaar. Kuch cheezein bataane ke liye nahi hoti."
Hamza's eyes widened. "Oho! Ab tu aur bhi zyada shaq dila raha hai!"
I chuckled, giving him a pat on the shoulder before walking away. Noor was still watching me, probably fuming inside.
She wanted to keep this a secret?
Fine.
But she'd soon realize that hiding the truth wasn't as easy as she thought.
As Noor walked into the classroom, I followed, deliberately taking slow, casual steps. I could already sense her uneasiness, the way she kept glancing around as if making sure no one suspected anything.
She wanted to pretend nothing had changed? Fine. But I wasn't going to make it easy for her.
As she found a seat near the middle row, I smirked and, without hesitation, took the seat right behind her.
The reaction was instant.
Noor stiffened. I saw her back go rigid as she realized I was sitting directly behind her.
A few students exchanged glances, probably confused because I never sat here. I always took the last row with Hamza and the rest of the guys.
Noor slowly turned her head slightly, her eyes locking onto mine with a warning glare. "Kahin aur jaake baitho," she mouthed silently, her expression screaming irritation.
I leaned back in my seat, raising an eyebrow, completely unfazed. Instead of listening to her, I smirked and casually pulled out my notebook as if I belonged there. Her jaw tightened.
The professor entered the room, cutting off whatever silent argument she was about to start. Noor had no choice but to turn back around, gripping her pen a little too tightly.
Throughout the lecture, I could tell she was trying her best to ignore me. But I didn't make it easy.
Every now and then, I tapped my pen against the deskâlight enough to be subtle but just annoying enough to test her patience.
At one point, she exhaled sharply, turning her head slightly and whispering without looking at me,
"Zeeshan, stop it."
I smirked, leaning forward just a little, whispering back, "Main tou bas lecture likh raha hoon, Noor. Tumhe koi problem hai?"
Her grip on her pen tightened. I could tell she wanted to say something, but she was too aware of the people around us.
Meanwhile, Hamza, who was sitting a few seats away, finally noticed what was going on. He gave me a confused look before grinning.
"Bhai, aaj middle row mein? Kya scene hai?" he whispered.
I just shrugged. "Bas, change of scenery."
Noor shot me a deadly look at that. I bit back a laugh.
The professor called out her name for an answer, snapping her attention back to the lecture. I leaned back in my seat, watching her with amusement as she composed herself and answered.
She thought she could avoid me? Act like we were strangers?
Let's see how long she could keep up this act.
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