In life, we often encounter two pivotal moments: the breaking point, where we feel left with nothing but guilt, and the realization of why we endure such struggles. Allah guides us through challenges, planting the seed of realization that marks the beginning of personal and collective improvement.

Rubaab remained slumped on the floor, her head cradled in her hands, attempting to fathom what transgression she might have committed. Wasn't she meant to be the victim of manipulation? Anger coursed through her toward Arsalan. How could he be disappointed in her when, from the outset, he had vowed to listen to every woe and endeavor to resolve it? Dilemma enveloped her, and she sensed that with a tad more trust in Arsalan, the situation might not have spiraled into such ugliness.

Concluding that enough was enough, during those months cohabiting with Arsalan, she recognized that he was her sole anchor. She wasn't merely a daughter of her family; her existence revolved around Arsalan. Regret for disappointing him washed over her, and she pondered how she had allowed herself to provide him with an opportunity to view her as nothing more than a seventeen-year-old.

Though her immediate instinct urged her to pursue Arsalan, she acknowledged that allowing him time to cool down would be wiser. Instead, she sought solace in Rimhsa, who had played a significant role in elucidating the essence of their nikkah during those months. Rubaab had absorbed her advice, finding a soothing balm for her troubled heart.

Wiping her tears with the pallu of her dupatta, Rubaab rose to her feet and made her way to the left wing, eventually arriving at Rimhsa's room. A gentle knock preceded a soft invitation to enter. Upon doing so, she discovered Rimhsa engrossed in reading near the window. Overwhelmed by emotion, Rubaab's tears flowed anew, prompting Rimhsa to abandon her book and rush to her side.

"Rubaab... meri jaan, kya hua hai? Kyun ro rahi ho?" But Rubaab only sobbed while hugging her. Rimsha made her sit on the bed, asked her again, and gave her water. Rubaab took some sips and told her about the conversation she had with Arsalan. She expected Rimsha to react as Arsalan did, but she was surprised when Rimsha just hugged her.

(Rubaab my love, why are you crying?)

"Hmm. To ye mamla hai... Rubaab, mai ye nahi kahungi ki Arsalan galat hai, par usko aise gussa nahi karna chahiye tha! But you do realize ki galti aapki bhi hai! Alia ne galat kia aapko involve karke, knowing you wouldn't say no, but aapko hum me se kisi ko bata dia hota... to aisa nahi hota," Rimsha started, and when she said the last words, she saw Rubaab's face falling.

(Hmm. So, this is the matter... Rubaab, I won't say that Arsalan is wrong, but he shouldn't have gotten angry like that! But you do realize that the mistake is yours too! Alia did wrong by involving you, knowing you wouldn't say no, but if you had told someone among us... it wouldn't have turned out like this.)

She recovered her words, saying, "Lekin is ka matlab ye nahi ki galti aapki hai... I know it's not... Arsalan is normally composed, haina? He doesn't get angry, but now your husband has become someone else. Why don't you go and apologize and make him apologize as well? You should clear all the doubts, bache!" Rubaab nodded and listened more. "You know, husband and wife ka rishta bahut nazuk hota hai... Agar larai ke baad koi apni ego ko drop nahi kare to is ka sabab rishta bigadne mai hota hai... Koi farq nahi parta if man apologizes or women agar galti hui.... You know it's you who should apologize! Arsalan was worried about Faizan, right... Go and make your husband's anger go. You have grown up now, and you should know what it can do if you and your spouse aren't on the best terms. Aise mamle mein biwi ko bhi samajhna chahiye, kyunki agar dusro ko pata chala or wo apse jalte honge to wo sab kuch karenge apko barbad karne ke lie.... Now go before it's late." Rubaab heard every word clearly; she understands it.

(But that doesn't mean it's your fault... I know it's not. Arsalan is normally composed, right? He doesn't get angry, but now your husband has become someone else. Why don't you go and apologize and make him apologize as well? You should clear all the doubts, my child!)
(You know, the relationship between husband and wife is very delicate... If, after a fight, someone doesn't let go of their ego, it becomes the reason for the relationship to deteriorate. It doesn't matter if a man apologizes or if a woman makes a mistake... You know it's you who should apologize! Arsalan was worried about Faizan, right? Go and make your husband's anger go away. You have grown up now, and you should know what it can do if you and your spouse aren't on the best terms. In such matters, the wife should also understand, because if others find out and get jealous, they will do everything to ruin you.... Now go before it's late.)

She was taking every word said by Rimsha into consideration. Nodding, she thanked her and ran out of the room, practically making her laugh. Rimsha too was stunned, but she was mature enough not to scare Rubaab more. She would have a talk with Alia; it seems like. Being the eldest in the girls, she has their responsibility.

But whatever happened was the fault of all of them; she's not just going to point at one person. Rubaab was running here and there searching for Arsalan; he was nowhere to be seen. She was feeling immense guilt, and there was nothing more she can do now other than be a good wife and be there for her husband. After finding him nowhere, she went back to his room and decided to wait for him.

While sitting, she remembered coming here, her parents, the way her now Ammi took care of her, and how Arsalan accepted to marry her. She thought about Arsalan that day a lot at night when she met him on the rooftop. The first time Arsalan made her blush. She thought about the words he said to her on the day of her nikkah, and Alhamdulillah, truth be told, he was doing what he said – he was loving her, taking care of her, and most importantly, he talked with her.

She sighed when the clock hit 12 am, and a tick was heard. There was still no sign of him. She remembered her mother telling her that she never let her father sleep after a fight until he's convinced with her, and they had no more rift in between because no one knows what's going to happen the next minute, let alone the next day.

She wishes for Arsalan to come home and talk things between them!
________________

While on the other hand, Arsalan wasn't far from home; he was standing, or more like leaning on the wall of a small shop near their home, holding a cigarette. It was not new for him. He and Faizan would sometimes smoke together, but he realized that after marrying Rubaab, he had stopped this habit of his, worrying it might harm his little wife in any way. After so many days, he wanted a little relief.

He was thinking about his behavior with Rubaab and now regretted letting his anger get the best of him. He was a man, a man with needs. He, after coming from the office, expected his wife to be in his arms. He was a gentleman and had good control over his mind, but sometimes he lost control as well.

He was frustrated, and after Rubaab told him about all those things, he was enraged but later realized he shouldn't be on her when she herself knew nothing. He was so lost in his world that he missed Faizan, who, after buying his cigarette, was leaning like him and looking at him intently.

"Kis bat ka sadma hai bhai?" Arsalan flinched, making Faizan flinch as well; his instinct kicked in. "Had hoti hai, k*tta," Arsalan said, putting his hand on his heart, trying to calm it down. Faizan made an irritated face and said, "Jo bolta hai wahi hota hai." Arsalan scoffed at him.

(Why are you so tense?)
(You scared me, Dog)
(Whoever says, he is)

"Acha, but bata na... kya hua hai," Faizan asked him. Arsalan sighed, "Nothing... just a little argument with Rubaab. I've said things I think I shouldn't." Looking at his twin like this, Faizan asked now alarmingly, "Kuch... galat to nahi keh diya... I swear mai bohot marunga tujhe." Arsalan gave him a stinky eye and said, "No thank you!! Didn't do anything galat... kasam se itna cheap nahi hun." Faizan laughed; he had loved Rubaab as his sister, like he did Rimhsa, and he wouldn't let anyone hurt her!

(Okay tell me what happened)
(You didn't say anything wrong right? I will beat you if you did)
(I didn't, I am not that cheap)

"I know, man. I know... You know yar, it's hard... Being married... Where your wife is basically your wife." Arsalan looked at him confused. Faizan turned to look at him and said, "Treat her well. She's a gem if you ask me... I'm not saying Alia isn't because hell... She's my jan," he said in a lovesick expression. Arsalan looked at him amused, "Okay... But did you just try to give me advice because it wasn't even understandable?" It really wasn't! What is a wife that is also your wife? That's disturbing!

Arsalan said, basically insulting Faizan, "You are just jealous of my advice!" Arsalan laughed out loud, making the shopkeeper and other customers look at him, and making Faizan red in embarrassment. "Rukja... ghar chal mama ko bataunga," Faizan said, throwing away his now half-burnt cancer stick. Arsalan followed and brought a bubble for himself; he went away to go home with Faizan, with the intention to apologize and make things better between them.

(Wait till we get home, I will tell mama)

Faizan was unaware of the drama waiting for him, and Arsalan had no idea how to apologize! He could feel it! He could feel that not making amends will cost him!