45. END

The evening had settled in, the cool breeze brushing against Feras' face as he parked the car and stepped out. The weight of the day... of the warehouse, of the anger he had barely contained... hung heavily on him.

But as soon as his eyes met Anam's, standing at the doorstep with a bright, hopeful smile, everything inside him shifted.

Anam's figure stood against the soft glow of the porch light, her dupatta framing her face very delicately, her smile so pure and welcoming that it made Feras feel like he could finally breathe again.

His heart softened the moment their gazes met.

She stepped forward, her voice laced with warmth. "Assalamu alaikum," she said, her tone as melodious as ever.

Feras didn't answer immediately. His legs moved without thinking, his feet carrying him swiftly toward her. Anam's eyes widened in surprise, but before she could say another word, he pulled her into his arms.

"Feras!" she gasped, her hands hovering awkwardly for a second before settling against his back. "Yeh ap kya kar rhe hain? Kisi ne hume dekh liya toh? " Her voice was full of both surprise. (What are you doing? What if someone sees us hugging here?)

But Feras didn't care about the world outside this moment. His arms tightened around her, pulling her closer, needing to feel her warmth, the comfort she brought him like nothing else could. He buried his face in the softness of her dupatta-covered neck, letting the scent of her, the familiar smell of fruits and a hint of vanilla, calm the storm that raged inside him.

Anam, feeling the tension in his body, pulled back slightly, her hands resting on his chest. "Feras?" she said again, her voice filled with concern, but much softer this time. "Is everything okay?"

He only hummed in response, the sound deep in his chest, a low murmur that told her little.

She stepped back just enough to look at him, the intensity in his eyes making her heart skip a beat. She noticed how his jaw was clenched, how his brow furrowed. There was something in his expression that made her nervous, so she tried to bring back the lightness in her tone.

"You know," she said gently, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips, "I made your favorite naan tikki and shahi tukde tonight." Her voice was full of warmth and care.

For a brief moment, Feras didn't respond, his gaze still locked on her face. Then, a smile tugged at his lips... small, but sincere. He took a deep breath, as if the tension in his body eased just a little.

"You did?" His voice was soft.

Anam nodded, her heart swelling with affection for him. "Of course," she said, her voice teasing slightly. "You've been working so hard lately. I thought you deserved it."

Feras couldn't help but smile, the heaviness of the day beginning to slip away in her presence. Without a word, he leaned in and placed a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead. The warmth of his lips sent a jolt through Anam, and her heart skipped a beat. The simple act made her cheeks flush a deep shade of red, and she quickly looked down, trying to hide her sudden shyness.

"Feras..." she whispered, her voice barely audible, as her heartbeat quickened.

He chuckled softly, his lips curling into a small smile. "You turn red too easily," he teased gently, his voice now light and playful.

Anam, still blushing, looked up at him with a small pout. "It's your fault," she mumbled, trying to keep her composure, but failing miserably as the warmth of his touch and the tenderness in his eyes made her feel like she was floating.

Feras smiled even wider, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her. "I can't help it," he said, his voice teasing. "You're just too cute when you get all red and shy."

Anam shook her head slightly, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Let's go inside," she said, her voice a little breathless as she turned to head toward the door.

Feras, still holding onto her hand, followed her inside, the weight of the day slipping away the closer he got to her. The moment they entered the living room, the familiar scent of the naan tikki and the sweet smell of shahi tukde greeted them, and Feras could feel his stomach growling in anticipation.

But it wasn't just the food he was craving... it was the peace and comfort that came with being with Anam. She had a way of making everything feel right, of making the world seem a little less overwhelming. He sat at the table, but his eyes never left her, watching her as she moved around, preparing everything with so much care, so much love.

"You are too good Anam. I don't deserve you." Feras said softly, his voice full of gratitude.

Anam looked at him, her heart swelling even more. "You deserve all of it, you deserve the best" she replied, her voice warm and sure. "And I'll always be here to take care of you."

Feras smiled, leaning back in his chair, finally feeling at peace.

"You're my everything, Anam" he whispered to her, his words just for her.

And in that moment, as they shared a quiet, intimate dinner together, it felt like the world had paused... just for them.

A/N: Hayeeee Masha'Allah, kisi ki nazar na laghe 🥹

.....

It was well past midnight, and Ayan's frustration had reached its peak. He couldn't stand the silence any longer. For the past seven days, Ayub had been avoiding him at every turn. No matter how many times he tried to talk to her, she would either walk away or close herself off. The tension between them was unbearable, and he couldn't focus on anything. He had an assignment that needed to be finished, but all his thoughts were consumed by Ayub's distance.

The house was quiet, the only sound the soft ticking of the clock. Ayan had been pacing for what felt like hours when he finally decided to get a coffee to clear his mind. He entered the kitchen, hoping for a moment of solitude, but there she was... Ayub, standing by the counter, her back to him as she quietly worked. His heart skipped a beat. This was it... the moment he had been waiting for.

"Ayub," he called out softly, his voice betraying his nerves.

She froze, her shoulders tensing. Without even turning around, she started to walk toward the door, clearly intending to leave. The sight of her trying to escape once again made Ayan's heart tighten in frustration. He couldn't let her walk away from him this time.

Before she could reach the door, he stepped forward and grabbed her arm, pulling her gently but firmly back toward him. His body pressed hers against the counter, trapping her between his chest and the cold marble. Ayub gasped, her breath catching as she looked up at him in shock.

"Ayan bhai!" she whispered urgently. "Let go of me!"

He didn't release her, his grip steady, though his jaw was clenched tight. He could feel the tension radiating from her. "Ayub, we need to talk. Why are you avoiding me? What's going on?"

Her breath hitched, and she tried to push against his chest, but he held her firm, his eyes searching hers. "Ayan bhai, please," she said, her voice shaking. "You can't touch me like this. We're not married... yet, it's... it's haram."

The words hit him like a punch. He immediately released her, stepping back, guilt washing over him. Ayub took a step away from him, her eyes filled with emotion, but her face was still tense with hurt.

"Are you happy with the marriage, Ayub?" Ayan asked softly, his voice hoarse with emotion.

She looked at him for a long moment, the silence thick between them. Then, she nodded. "Yes," she said, her voice steady. "I'm happy with it."

Ayan's heart lifted, and a weight seemed to lift off his chest. "Me too," he whispered, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I never thought I'd feel this way, but... I am happy."

Ayub took a deep breath, her eyes searching his for any hint of insincerity, but there was none. She nodded again, slowly. Before a question left his lips. "But why were you avoiding me, Ayub? I don't understand. We've been fine... Why the distance?"

Ayub felt her heart skip a beat at his question. Ayan's gaze never left herz, as though waiting for the truth to come out.

"I was... I was jealous," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "When I found out that your marriage was decided with someone else, it hurt me. I couldn't bear the thought of you marrying someone else... even though I knew it was the right thing, it still... hurt." She looked down, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Ayan's heart softened at her words. He hadn't expected this, but it made sense. She wasn't avoiding him because of the marriage itself, but because of her feelings for him. He smiled, his eyes filled with tenderness and a little amusement.

"I didn't know you cared that much," he teased lightly, his voice softening. "Guess I'm lucky, huh?"

Ayub looked up at him, her eyes still clouded with doubt, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I'm serious, Ayan bhai," she said, her voice quiet but warm.

Ayan chuckled, the tension in the room finally breaking. He leaned in, his eyes sparkling with affection. "You know, I've been wanting to tell you something for a while."

Ayub raised an eyebrow, confused. "What?"

"You're really bad at hiding your feelings," he said with a grin.

Ayub's eyes widened in mock offense, but then she couldn't help herself. She burst out laughing, the sound light and easy, and Ayan couldn't help but join in. It was the first time in months that he felt a genuine, easy connection with her, without all the confusion and misunderstandings.

"I can't believe you!" she laughed, wiping away a stray tear. "I was avoiding you for such a long time, and you're still making jokes."

Ayan smiled, his heart light. "Well, you were a bit hard to crack, I'll admit," he said, his tone teasing. "But I'm glad we finally got here."

Ayub smiled, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

"But you like me anyway," Ayan said with a wink, making her blush.

Ayub rolled her eyes, though her smile never faltered. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Mr. Ayan Ali Shah."

They stood there for a moment, their laughter fading into comfortable silence. Everything had been cleared, the tension between them lifted, and in that quiet kitchen, it felt like they were finally on the same page.

Ayan started his smile softening. "I'm really glad we're doing this, Ayub. I'm glad it's with you."

Ayub's smile deepened, and she nodded. "Me too, Ayan bhai."

Ayan chuckled softly, a playful glint in his eyes as he took a step closer to her. "Ayub," he said, his voice low and teasing. "Stop calling me 'bhai.'"

Ayub blinked, a bit taken aback. "What? But you're my—"

Ayan raised an eyebrow, cutting her off with a mischievous grin. "I know, I know," he said, his voice warm but firm. "But we're getting married. And honestly? The 'bhai' thing is... well, it's a little awkward now."

Ayub's eyes widened slightly, and she hesitated. "But I've always called you that... It feels... wrong not to."

He smiled, stepping even closer, his gaze softening. "It might feel strange at first, but we'll get used to it. I don't want to be just 'bhai' anymore. I want you to see me as... well, more than that. As your partner, your husband."

Ayub's heart skipped a beat, and she found herself staring into his eyes, the weight of his words sinking in. The playful atmosphere shifted, and for a moment, everything felt more real, more serious. She nodded slowly, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

"Okay," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ayan, then."

He grinned, the tension easing from his shoulders. "That's better," he said, his tone light again. "No more 'bhai'—let's leave that in the past."

Ayub nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly as she realized how close they were standing. "Ayan..." she said, feeling the change in their dynamic take root.

Ayan chuckled and gently nudged her, breaking the moment of silence. "There you go. Feels better, doesn't it?"

Ayub laughed, a genuine, soft sound that warmed Ayan's heart. "I think I'm going to need a little time more to get used to it," she admitted, her smile playful.

He grinned back, his voice teasing. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you do."

And just like that, the air between them seemed lighter. The unease, the awkwardness, and the silence that had lingered for so long were finally gone. Everything was starting to feel like it was falling into place.

A/N: Okay, okay, I know I may have rushed through the last chapter a bit (oops ✍️(◔◡◔) ).

I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who liked, commented, and supported this story without me even asking for it. Seriously, your kind words, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback means a lot to me! ('▽'ʃ♡ƪ)

You didn't have to, but you did, and that means everything. Your support makes this journey so much more rewarding, and I'm incredibly grateful for each and every one of you! 💖

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this story. You all rock! Keep spreading the love, and I can't wait to share more with you all. \^o^/