⁂ 05 ⁂

♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎

♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎

Soha paced around the room, biting on her nails and running a hand through her hair locks, messing them further, she exhaled a heavy breath dropping herself on the bed.

"Kia karu mai!?" She exclaimed throwing off her slippers, and getting her legs on the bed.

Apparently, it was D-Day, the party, and although Salaar being the thoughtful guy he was had brought her a dress and matching heels, she just couldn't gather the courage to go with him.

She stared at the right to look at the red dress hanging there, it was beautiful. She couldn't kill it's spark by just wearing it and going with him. She wanted to shine today, but how?

She decided to listen to her sister's advice and getting up, made her way to Maria's room.

"Uh, bhabhi?" She knocked and entered the room once she heard her low 'come in' from inside.

"Bolo Soha. Kia hua? Kuch chahiye?"

She continued folding her pile of clothes giving Soha a glance.

"Actually, I've to go to a business party with...Salaar today. So I was wondering.....if you could help me in making these," Soha held her hair slightly pointing at them, "look presentable."

"Haye Allah! Yeh koi wonder karne wali baat hai!" She threw away the piece of clothing, happily walking towards Soha, "I'm gonna make you look presentable as a whole, sweetheart. You don't even know how much I've wanted to open my own parlour.." she twirled Soha and held her hands, as Soha let out a nervous laugh. She probably wouldn't regret it later, right?

"Ow!" Soha winced once again as Maria inserted another pin in the bun she had designed her hair into.

"It's all done!" She exclaimed satisfied, looking at the hairstyle she had come up with.

"Bhabhi? Apko nahi lagta yeh kuch zyada hi...thop diya hai?" Soha pointed at her face, wanting to rub off the party make-up Maria had applied on her face, taking a whole hour.

"Chup karo! Trust me, you're gonna see girls faces caked up with much more than this over there. And I gotta say this," Maria sat on the corner of the dressing table staring at her face, "you look much more beautiful with make-up on too."

No, Salaar said I look much beautiful without it.

Soha bit on her lower lip as she tried peering at the hair bun at the back of her head.

"Idhar dekho!" Maria held onto her chin, lifting her face up. "Ab agar tumne lipstick khai na tou dekhna!"

She again applied the red lipstick on her lips, then told her to rub her lips together by doing the action herself.

"Oof. Let me take a picture of you. Itni mehnat se tayar kia hai mai ne!" Maria grabbed her phone as Soha awkwardly sat there, her nerves growing anxious by each passing second as the time to go neared.

Soha lifted the long floral dress, as she slowly made her way down the stairs. As she cascaded down the last one, her eyes made their way up to be struck, awe-struck, by Salaar. He wore a red suit, matching with hers, as his prominent features and figure made him look striking.

His gaze was fixed on his phone as he stood by the counter, his foot crossing the other one, his arm placed behind on it, flexing his arm muscles more.

Soha nervously fixed her dress, her feet lazily made their way towards him, trying to stay unnoticed.

Salaar's phone suddenly rang as he answered it placing it on his ear, and that's when his orbs rose up to spot the beauty he was waiting for.

"Hel-" he stopped mid-way, his eyes growing double in size as he gawped at her. His mouth slowly hung open, as he placed a hand over it, covering it. Soha bit the insides of her cheeks at his dramatic actions. She pointed at his phone as he got out of his trance, coughing.

"Yes, Hello!" He replied still rubbernecking at her. His eyes didn't leave hers, how could they when she looked so freaking gorgeous. After he was done with the call, he slowly walked closer to her, still focused on her fully.

"I decided to be the second most beautiful girl today." She shyly smiled, scratching the side of her neck.

"Damn, you-" he was cut off as Maria loudly whistled, running down the stairs.

"Woah woah! We've got a stunning model couple here. Ramp walk na sahi, photoshoot is a must!" She made Soha stand by Salaar's side as they both gave each other nervous glances.

"Soha! Koi pose nahi ata tumhe? Statue ban ke khari ho." She clicked a few photos from different angles, as Salaar just stood there with his hands in the pockets, while Soha joined them together in the front, going crazy on the inside.

Well, she was definitely going to ask for these pictures later though.

"We're getting late. We'll get going then." Salaar moved to grab his car keys from the counter as Hamida made her way in the hall.

"Masha'Allah, mere bachay kitne pyaare lag rahi hain." Soha gave her a wide smile as Hamida tapped her back lovingly.

"Sabiha log aaj aa rahe hai na beta?"

She asked Soha as she quickly nodded.

"Jee, raat ki flight hai unki." Excitement laced her tone.

"Then you both can pick them up from the airport." Hamida looked at Salaar who was whirling his car key on his finger, standing by the door.

"Jee khala." He quickly replied, grabbing the key and straightening up.

Once Soha had settled inside the car fully with her heavy dress, he shut the car door rounding it to make his way to the driving seat. Soha let out another sigh, calming herself.

Just a few hours of a crazy night!

"Lagta hai ye dress tumhare liye hi bana tha. I'm actually disappointed at myself for trying to picture you in it because you're making it look devilishly wondrous,"he tilted his head to look outside the window, "more than I had expected."

Soha felt her ears and cheeks burn again as blood rushed through her system, the blood pumping organ should be banned from feeling such type of ways by simple words. She slightly lowered down the window for some cool air to cool herself down, as she almost ate her lipstick by biting down on her lip.

"You.. you look good in this s-suit too." She finally spoke as casually as possibly.

"I do, I know." He chuckled placing his elbow on the window, while driving with one hand.

No, you actually look devilishly stunning, frigging well-proportioned hulk!

Opening the door, he helped her out by grabbing her hand as she fixed her dress. Retrieving it away from the warmth of his hand, she looked at the large decorated marquee feeling edgy all of a sudden. She didn't even know anybody who was going go be there. She wasn't really an introvert and liked meeting new people, but these were going to be different classy people.

"Don't be nervous. I'll be right there by your side, and you can just greet the people who approach us. It would be over quick." He gave her a reassuring smile as she again reached the melting point staring at it.

Walking in together, they were welcomed by a few people as she greeted them as politely as she could.

Of course, many of them questioned if they were engaged or married and what not, but Salaar handled the questions quite maturely making sure she doesn't feel uncomfortable by them. They were relatives. Nothing more, nothing less.

Soha's gaze followed at every passing girl around her, and dang, Maria was right when she said they were going to be all caked up. Their dresses were also really fancy as they walked with grace, heads held high. She glanced at herself in the small mirror on the wall, and she had eaten away her lipstick or it probably got rubbed out when she was drinking the juice.

Diverting her attention to the side, she noticed Salaar busy on a phone call as they were standing in a corner. Most of the people were busy dancing on the dance floor, as she gazed at the couples under the spotlight. Salaar soon again joined her, as they passed each other a smile standing side by side.

A fine lady approached them as she was wearing a tight long maxy, her blonde curly hair reaching just below her shoulder. "Salaar, my favourite boy."

"Hello Eliotte. I didn't expect you here." He seemed hesitant and uncomfortable all of a sudden by her presence as Soha felt it.

"I always appear where I'm not expected, darling. Aren't you happy to see me?" Soha almost visibly cringed at her tone, while Salaar scratched his forehead with his thumb, bending his face.

"It's nice to see you again." He hardly spoke.

"Why are you standing here? Come, let's have a dance." She turned towards the dance floor where the couples were busy with each other, moving around making their own steps.

"My apologies, I already have my partner for tonight." He looked at Soha, as Eliotte finally noticed her there. Salaar somehow wanted to get away from the clingy woman so he quickly came closer to Soha.

"Shall we?" He put forward his hand infront of her to hold, as Soha's heart leapt to her throat staring at his fixed gaze on hers. Was he asking for a dance?

She placed her hand in his as he gave her an eye signal towards the woman gawking at them. "Excuse us then." He walked towards the dance floor with her hand in his, as Soha was in a state of nerves.

"But I don't know how to..." she stopped as they reached under a spotlight and Salaar stood face to face with her, glowing under the brightness.

"Neither do I." He grinned. "I just wanted to get away, so let's just play along huh."

He asked for her other hand, as they slowly started moving around to the beat. Although, he was just holding her hands, she felt as if her heart would explode if she would keep looking at him. She bent down her head, staring at the floor.

Salaar, on the other hand, was feeling fazed by her once again. He had seen her with lowered head most of the time at the party and she wasn't talking much either. Was she uneasy?

"Soha. Look at me." He murmured in an authentic tone as she lifted her head up to gaze into his brown orbs.

They had a soft look as always.

"Keep your head held up high princess, that look doesn't suit you." He raised his brows nodding.

She almost ducked her head down again to hide her blush, but stopped as her fluttering gaze again fall on the ground.

Mera dil phat jae ga ab tou!

(My heart is going to explode at this rate.)

"Are my shoes more attractive than my face?" He slightly tilted his neck, their steps further slowing down, as he swirled her around leaving her left hand making Soha's eyes go agape, as he again caught her hand before she could stumble.

"No I ju-" She got out of the sudden twist and looked back up, but her eyes found their way to the back, where the mouth-watering pastries were displayed.

"You what?"

"I..." Her eyes didn't waver from the tasty sweets, as she almost drooled by how delicious the cream looked. They were an attractive distraction too.

"Are you...uneasy? We can stop-" She abruptly stepped forward, nearing his ear as he stilled.

"I wanna eat those." She whispered in his ear as if telling him a dark secret.

He furrowed his brows, tilting his head back to find the cause of her diverted attention. Slightly chuckling, he looked back at her and tapped a finger on her nose.

"Your love for them hasn't died yet." He didn't leave her other hand, as he guided them away from the dance floor, towards the table.

Soha hugged herself rubbing her arms as the cold air hit her getting out of the car reaching the airport. However, she was soon draped by something warm as she found his coat over her shoulders, his lavender perfume once again filling her senses.

"Let's go." After properly covering her with it, he loosened his tie, walking straight ahead as Soha blushed holding onto the coat around her.

They didn't have to wait for long as she found her parents making their way out of the arrivals corner soon. She met Shanzay's eyes which had a playful glint in them just by looking at her and she knew what teasing was coming next for her the whole night now.

//♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎//

"Bhens! Sone ki bhi tameez nahi hai." Soha kicked away Shanzay's leg which was lying on her, as she groaned and turned towards the other direction. That's why she didn't like sharing bed with her, she was a bad sleeper. Well, both the sisters were and the bed would definitely become a battlefield if they ever slept on the same one.

Getting up, she got her pony from the side table to tie her hair into a bun. Cold air hit her face, as she found the window open. She saw Salaar in the garden as she was about to close it. He was watering the plants, as he was wearing a blue jumper, the arms folded upto the elbow. Damn, why did he have to be so frigging good-looking!

"Good morning!" Soha made her way in the garden, with a shawl draped around her.

Salaar's heart felt a weird feeling again as he stared at her making her way towards him. His mind had been in a confusion since yesterday night, and his heart was in a daze whenever he would think about her. It felt as if, she had become more than a friend to him, but....

"Salaar!" Her voice made him snap out of her thoughts as his heart played another trick on his mind again. She's not just a friend or relative, but much more to you.

"The water is over flowing." She pointed at the watering pot in his hand as he hastily moved it away.

"Dimagh out hai mera!" He shuffled his hair behind, as Soha gawked at him followed by a nervous laugh.

"Did you have your breakfast?" He asked as she shook her head.

"Me neither. Come, let's eat." He opened the door for her as she mouthed a small 'thank you' passing by him.

As they both entered inside the hall, the serious aura surrounded them as the three sisters sat there on the sofas giving them a weighty glare.

"Come and sit here you both." Hamida ordered in a stern tone, sitting on the sofa with a serious face.

"What's wrong?" Salaar questioned noticing her edgy tone.

"Yeh kia sun rahi hu mein?" She spoke once they both had settled on the empty sofa infront of her.

"Jee, kia?" Salaar asked giving Soha a look, as they were both mystified by this sudden tension.

"Deeth bacho ki tarha apni ammiyon ko pareshan kar ke rakha hai dono ne. Umar aur size dekho ab apna, lehaaz hi nahi hai koi." Hamida scolded, this time sounding angrier.

"Aisa kia kar diya hai humne? Bass paani hi tou de rahe the paudo ko." Soha's lips puckered up, as she furrowed her brows. That was the only thing she could think of right now.

"Mai shaadi ki baat kar rahi hun. Why aren't you agreeing for it when there's such good proposals right on the doorsteps for you both?" Hamida folded her arms, as their mothers sat there poker-faced too.

"Khala! Ap bhi?" Salaar let out ruffled.

"Tou aur kia? Look at you both now, it's both a mother's wish and duty to see their children get married and live through their happiness. You need to think about them too. Did I say something wrong?" Hamida toned down, as she gave them both a concerned look.

"Inko koi rishta pasand ae tou baat hai na. Pehle hi na kar ke beth jaate hain." Sabiha gave a disapproving look to Soha, her brows scrunched.

"Aik minute! Rishta tou mai ne abhi dhoond liya!" Hamida clapped her hands together, with a meanigful smile.

"Kon?"

"Kiska?"

Both the mothers asked curiously, as their gazes were fixed on her now.

"Yeh jo dono bache bethe hain saamne. In dono ki jodi wese kitni pyaari lage gi, nahi?" She looked left to right, at both her sisters faces then at the shaken up selves of the jodi.

"Arey. Yeh tou mai ne kabhi socha hi nahi. Soha ko tou mai wese bhi apni beti jesa samajhti hu, isse achi bahu kahan mile gi mujhe?" Sofia said like a shot, loving the idea. She gave Soha a loving look.

"Soha beta. Tumhe koi aitaraz tou nahi?"

Soha's blood ran cold, as her leg started shaking.

Was this a dream? What was happening? Her marriage with Salaar? She and Salaar?

She continuously fiddled her thumbs together, trying to absorb what was happening. The person she always wanted to-

"Iss khamoshi ka jawab mai nahi samjhu?" Sofia spoke again as Soha had turned completely red by now. What should she say? It felt like her lips were locked together.

Sabiha immediately knew the answer by examining her daughter's moves. She gave a gruntled nod to Sofia with a pleased smile on her face. All she wanted was her daughter's happiness, and seeing Soha like this, and not denying the idea of marrying like usual had her contented. She knew this was also the best and better proposal for her knowing Salaar, her nephew.

"Salaar. Apko Soha kesi lagti hai?" Sabiha asked now.

"Jee?" Salaar now felt the pressure of attention which was on Soha a while ago, while his heart was beating out of his chest to hear her answer.

"Jee, zyada formalities poori karne ki zaroorat nahi hai, pata hai sun liya hai sawal tumne." His mother frowned.

"Batao, Soha pasand hai?" She asked in the same hushed tone, but this time taking the right girl's name, as Salaar couldn't find a reason to say 'no' by the speed his heart accelerated.

He glanced at Soha, who was sitting all nervous fidgeting her fingers continuously. He had gotten his answer from her, and that was enough for him to form his next words.

"Jee, pasand hai." He smiled at his mom, as Soha froze completely.

Was she hearing things now?

Did he just say pasand hai or saand hai?

(Saand: Bull🙂)

"Tou phir kia masla hai? Rishta pakka karo behno! Mithai lao jaldi!" Hamida excitedly got up to give them a hug as Soha still was unable to digest the happenings.

Was this real? Really happening?

She flinched out of her inner world as Hamida embraced her tightly crushing her bones.

Yes, it was real.

Her marriage had been fixed with the Salaar Sohail, the one and only Salaar Sohail she had fallen hard for, and she was still unable to grasp the truth, or else she would've been on the seventh sky by now!

//♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎//

"Pehno yeh bhi!" Shanzay glared at Soha as she ignored her completely while wearing her bangles.

"Mai tumhari engagement cancel karwa dungi!" Shanzay once again grunted as Soha slightly smirked.

"As if you could, love."

It had been a month since her graduation, and the families had decided to fix their marriage date soon after that. Today was the day of their engagement and Soha decided to stay simple by just wearing an anarkali frock with a matching pair of earrings.

Shanzay, howvever, was pressurizing her to wear a maang tikka (head jewellery) which Soha didn't like and thought would look too extra.

"Halat dekho apni. Lag raha hai koi ke mangni hai aaj!" Shanzay continued as Soha tied the straps of her heels.

"Salaar likes me this way. Simple and without make-up." She gave her a proud look with a sly grin on her face.

Shanzay copied her tone, and taking out her tongue at her finally gave up on the idea as the door soon opened revealing their mother.

"Meri beti tayar ho gai hai. Masha'Allah!" She kissed Soha's forehead then fixed the net dupatta on her head. "Chalo, everyone's waiting downstairs."

Everyone clapped and hooted as they both exchanged rings after getting teased by all the cousins. Only all the cousins and close family members were invited as Soha felt like vanishing when all the girls kept on teasing her infront of Salaar. They need to tone it down!

As all the people got busy with the food, Soha noticed Salaar going towards the balcony to attend a call. Such a busy businessman. She's going to hide his phone on the marriage day for sure!

Excusing herself, she followed him out. After he was done with the call, she peeked at him striding towards him, as he gave her a surprised look.

"Woah, that surprised me."

She felt the feeling of deja vu, as they stood on the balcony just like before.

Should I ask him, how do I look?

"Uh.." Before she could speak, Salaar turned towards her, holding her left hand in his, gazing at the ring on her finger. Soha's heart was shooting fireworks as he then stared deeply in her eyes.

"I swear to God you're the prettiest girl I've ever seen in this whole universe, I guess you're Allah's favourite for you're so perfect from every angle, shayid apko banate hue extra nur dala tha apke chehre pe."

He brought her hand closer to his mouth, lightly brushing his lips to peck her knuckles, his eyes not leaving her coffee brown ones.

Soha's breath hitched, as she could feel her heart almost jumping out of her chest, her ears and face had turned red by how tickled pink she was at the moment.

Salaar Sohail had her whole freaking heart falling for him over and over again, and she couldn't thank God enough for making her unrequited love for him turn into mutual requited one, which she had never expected but deep down wished to happen.

//♥︎ ♥︎ ♥︎//

/Author's Note/

*squeals, cries, dances, laughs, sniffles,screams* all at once!

Haye, my dil🤚💘

Anyways, yeah they're getting married, realized their mutual feelings for each other,

The end!🤚🌝

The author: *jumps out a window*

Ha!

You thought I could?

J end it like that!?

My heart: Never🙂

Yes, y'all will be getting a mega epilogue of course!

So, tighten ur seat belts since the ride may go upside down causing a thrill of emotions to rush through ur hearts🤤🤧

Until then;

Take care🥀

___⁂___