" Those who have completed their assignments, collect them and put it on my desk now.", their physics's teacher Sir Abdullah announced with a professional tone.

The pin drop silence broke and the classroom became a fish market.

A bunch of three to four books was collected.

" As usual the toppers have done their work.", Sir Abdullah said, a hint of irritation was visible in his voice, " I am taking the names, who have submitted their assignments, except them all will be going to write the assignment again 3 times."

Many students gasped hearing his punishment. He glared at Zaid who was sitting casually at the back bench.

" Shafaq Aziz, Husna Sheikh, Kamil Sayeed, Zaid Hussein.. ", Sir Abdullah read the names and was dumbfounded looking at the last name.

Students turned to look at Zaid whose condition had not changed an inch.

" Good.. So the class has dismissed. Except these 4 students, all will be doing an extra class of 2 hours from now on.", he announced.

******

" Thanks a lot, partner.", Zaid said as Shafaq sit in the passenger seat.

The assignment was issued to them 1 week ago and Shafaq had forced him to complete it in only 4 days. After their agreement, Zaid was punctually giving time to his studies, and it was showing an effect on his performance.

" No problem, bhai.", Shafaq smilingly said.

" That feels nice. I have felt like this after a long time.", he said.

" A treat is must for this.", he said looking at confused Shafaq.

" Ummm.. Don't you think, Mumani will be waiting for us?", she said.

" I will inform her, you just tell me, where you want to go?", he said.

" Ice cream? ", she said after thinking a while.

" That sounds nice..", he said and headed towards his old favourite ice-cream shop.

******

" Hey Saniya, what's up?", he said picking up the call.

" I am fine, Can we meet?", she said.

" Sorry, I can't at this moment. I will call you as I reach home.", he said.

" Wait, where are you?", she asked a little annoyed.

" I am with Shafaq, having a little ice cream party. ", he said with a smile.

" And what about me, Zaid. Here I was waiting for you to end your classes and you..", she started her rambling.

She ended the call. Zaid was furious on her.

Who is she to handle my life? It's my life and I will do what I want to.

" Bhai, what happened? ", Shafaq asked.

" Nothing, leave it. ", he said with a shake of head.

" Bhai, you should go to Saniya baji. She must be waiting for you.", she said taking a last spoon of her vanilla ice cream.

"No, it was our treat. Who is she to take decisions in my life?", Zaid said.

" Bhai, tell me one thing, Are you serious about her?", she said with seriousness.

Zaid thought for a moment, yes he was! He never felt like this before, he wanted to make her his wife, he wanted to share his life with Saniya.

Zaid nodded, " So, I want to tell you something, Love needs time, time to grow, to evolve, to understand each other. I think, if your feelings are true then it will definitely going to happen. ", she said fixing her glasses.

Zaid agreed with her.

" One more thing", she slightly straightened his furrowed brows, " You look good like this.", she said with a smile and this also brought a smile on his face.

" Now, go. I am heading to home. Allah hafiz.", she said standing up.

" Thanks again partner.", Zaid said.

******

" So, how's it, Aapa?", Shafaq asked Shehnila showing a violet netted anarkali frock which had golden embroidery at the front and at the bottom. It was a pure piece of sophistication.

" It's beautiful, laado.", Shehnila aapa praised heartily.

" You don't know, I had to search whole Lucknow for a perfect dress for you.", she said sitting beside her.

At today morning, Shehnila aapa came to spend a day with all of them. After lunch, Shafaq took Shehnila aapa to her room for rest.

" But Shafu, it was not needed. ", Shehnila aapa said lying on the bed.

" No, aapa. I wanted to gift you something as you were coming first time after marriage. So how's life?", she asked.

" Alhamdullillah, All is good. ", Shehnila aapa said.

" He is good, caring, understanding. ", she added.

" Who he?", Shafaq asked innocently.

" My husband, dumbo.", she replied giggling.

" How would I understand if you don't take his name.", Shafaq said furrowing her brows.

" You are supposed to respect your husband, so it's not good to take their name, Mummy had told me."

" Ohhhh..", Shafaq said lost in her own thoughts.

She remembered Mumani never calls Mamu by his name. Mumma used to call Baba by his name. But there wasn't any difference in both of their relationship. There was same respect, love and care as there is in Mamu and Mumani's relationship.

Doesn't it feel silly to address your husband with hey, listen. Respect doesn't depend on addressing each other, it must comes intentionally.

******

She carefully fixed her shawl around her. The December winter had started to spread it's wings to full. The sun was about end it's journey of day, the sky was painted with tinge of orange and pink.

Their final practical exams of this semester were going on. Zaid had told her to wait for him in the parking area after the practical.

She felt an intense gaze of someone on her. It began to develop an intimidating feeling. She lowered her gaze but the feeling didn't vanish.

She searched through the crowd, the college was getting deserted by time. Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of a boy, might be of her age standing at the entrance of the college.

He was looking intently at her with a smile on his face. She again quickly lowered her gaze and started praying to Allah for Zaid, to come as early as possible.

A hand on her shoulder brought her to herself. Zaid was standing with a worried look on his face.

" What happened, Partner? ", he asked.

Shafaq shook her head and said, "I was just waiting for you."

" Are you ok? You are sweating badly in this winter. ", he said looking at her sweaty face.

" I am fine bhai.", she said looking at the entrance, " let's go."

The boy was nowhere to be seen now.

Who was he? He was so scary. Allah please help me.

Assalamualaikum, I have decided Fawad as Zaid and Maya ali as Shafaq. What u guys think? Do tell me in comments! Allah hafiz!