They were ready to leave after breakfast.
Suitcases stood near the door. The house was filled with voices, last-minute talks, and soft goodbyes, yet something felt incomplete. Roshaane’s eyes kept drifting toward her parents. They hadn’t spoken to her.
Not properly.

After a few moments, she quietly excused herself.
“I’ll just come,” she said softly.
No one stopped her.

But Zeeniya’s and Aarib’s eyes followed her as she walked away. She made her way toward the study. Each step heavy with hesitation. Pausing at the door, she took a breath, and stepped inside. Jahan sat at his desk, a file open in front of him. He looked up. His gaze fell on her.

“I… was going,” she said, unsure how to begin.

“I know,” he replied calmly, looking at his daughter who seemed almost afraid to speak.

He took off his glasses. Placed them aside.
Closed the file.

“Come.”

She walked toward him slowly.
Hesitantly.

And sat on the chair in front of him. Her hands rested in her lap, fingers trembling slightly. Her eyes remained lowered. Trying to hold back the tears threatening to fall.

“You want to say something?” he asked gently.

She nodded.
But still couldn’t look at him.

“I’m… sorry.”
Her voice broke.

A few tears slipped down her cheeks.
“And why are you sorry?” he asked, watching her closely.

“For hurting you… for making you suffer…”
Her voice trembled.

“For hurting your Aarib.”
This time, she looked up. Her eyes were filled with guilt and love.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“But… I can’t change anything about Aarib.”
Her voice steadied, even through the tears.

“I wasn’t able to live without him back then…”
She paused.

“And I can’t live without him now either.”
She swallowed hard.

“But your anger… your silence…”
Her hand moved to her chest.

“It’s killing me.”
Her voice dropped to a whisper.

She looked at her father, waiting.
Hoping.
Breaking.

"Our offence matter to you?" Her father asked and she nodded.

At the door, Zeeniya and Aarib stood still.
Silent.
Waiting.

“If I ask you to let go of Aarib… so your parents can accept you…” Jahan’s voice was calm.

“But what will be your decision?”
That moment, time stopped.

It felt as if both Roshaane’s and Aarib’s breaths were caught in their chests. Their hearts forgot to beat.
Aarib stiffened where he stood. Restlessness rising inside him. He wanted to step forward.
To stop this. But he didn’t.
He stayed. Waiting. Will she let go… like before?
Will I be left alone again?
Will I have to face that same emptiness once more?
His fingers curled tightly.
He waited.
For her answer.

“You know what my answer would be.”
Her voice broke the silence.

Roshaane looked at her father.
Tears filled her eyes, but a soft, certain smile touched her lips.

“I can’t leave him.”
No hesitation.

Not even for a second.
Silence fell again.

“So you can live with our anger?” Jahan asked.

“You don’t need your parents?”
Her eyes trembled.

“So you want me to abandon your Aarib?”
Her voice shook.

“That means… you want me dead.” Those words hit hard.

At the door, Aarib froze. Zeeniya’s hand lifted to her lips.
Roshaane stood up. Then slowly, she knelt in front of her father. Holding his hands tightly in hers.

“You’re my father… my everything.”
Her tears fell faster now.

“I can’t even explain how your anger is killing me…”
Her voice broke into hiccups.

“How I long to hug you… to talk to you… to laugh with you like before…”She lowered her head, pressing her forehead against his hands.

“Every day I waited for your call…” A shaky breath escaped her.

“Every day I tried to reach you… but I couldn’t.”
Her shoulders trembled.

After a moment, she looked up again.
“But still… I lived.”

Her voice softened.
“I waited for you for a whole year.”

“I lived with your anger…”
A tear rolled down slowly.

“But you know what I can’t live without?”
Her eyes dropped.

“Him.”

“I can’t breathe if he’s not in my life.”
She shook her head slightly.

“My feelings for him… they’re not something I can control.”

“I can’t live without Aarib, Dad.”
Her grip on his hands tightened.

“So please…”
Her voice broke again.

“Don’t put me in that position.”
“I want both of you.”

“My parents… and my Aarib.”

And this time, she broke down completely.
Resting her head on his knee.
Crying.
Jahan looked at her.

His little girl. Crying like this. His eyes filled.
A tear slipped down.
“You’re not wrong.”

His voice was soft.
Those words made her look up immediately.

“He is worthy of love.”
Jahan continued.

“We can’t dislike him…”
A faint smile appeared through his tears.

“That’s the kind of man my son is.” Roshaane’s breath hitched.

Relief flooding her. At the door, Aarib let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. His eyes shimmered.
Zeeniya stepped closer, pulling him into a soft hug. Her own eyes wet. Aarib’s gaze remained fixed on Roshaane. On the girl who held an ocean of love for him.

“You love him that much?” Jahan asked gently.
She nodded.

Still crying.
“Yes.”

Jahan cupped her face.
“He’s lucky to have you.”

A pause.
“Maybe… this is how it was meant to happen.”
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

“I pray for your happiness.” And in that moment, the distance of a year finally disappeared.

“I’m sorry, Dad…”

Roshaane cried again as she stood up.
Jahan didn’t wait. He pulled her into a tight embrace.
Father and daughter, finally together again. After a moment, Jahan’s gaze lifted and he noticed Aarib and Zeeniya standing at the door.

A soft smile appeared on his face.
Breaking the hug, he looked at Roshaane with a hint of mischief.

“You have to promise,” he said, “you won’t tease my Aarib… and that you’ll cook for him.”

Roshaane immediately wiped her tears, stepping back.

“That’s his duty to cook for me,” she replied, lifting her chin slightly.

Jahan chuckled.
“See, Aarib? This is how much you’ve spoiled her.”
Roshaane froze then quickly turned.

And found Aarib walking toward them with Zeeniya.

“I’m not spoiled,” she said, a little offended.

“Not at all,” Aarib replied, completely serious.

“My wife doesn’t make me do all the chores…”
He paused dramatically.

“I don’t carry her everywhere either.”
Zeeniya and Jahan laughed.

“Aarib!” Roshaane protested, embarrassed.

She turned to leave but he caught her wrist.
Pulling her gently back. She stumbled slightly and ended up standing right beside him. His arm slipped naturally around her shoulder.

“Don’t tease my daughter,” Zeeniya said, stepping forward.

She pulled Roshaane into a warm hug.
Her eyes glistened with tears.

“Stay blessed… stay happy.”
Roshaane smiled softly, hugging her back.

Aarib stood there quietly, watching her.
This time, his eyes held nothing but love. He didn’t know when it happened. How it happened.
But somewhere along the way, his heart had surrendered to her completely. And now looking at her like this, he knew.
There was no going back.
Still smiling, still talking, they all walked out together.

Aarham stood there, watching everything.
A quiet smile on his face, seeing his parents finally embrace their daughter again. The heaviness of the past was gine. Replaced with warmth.
At the door, final hugs were exchanged.
Promises made.

“You all have to come to Istanbul,” Aarib said, smiling.

“For our grand wedding.”
“InshaAllah,” Jahan replied warmly.

Aarib and Roshaane took their leave.
Walking side by side. Not just together but finally,
accepted.

--------

It had been three days.
Three days since Haseeb had left with his client as a legal advisor. Leaving behind someone who didn’t realize how much she depended on him.
Until now.
Maliha.

With every passing hour, her restlessness grew.
Her heart had already betrayed her long ago.
But now, she was finally beginning to understand.
How this man had become her habit.
His presence.
His voice.
His teasing.
Everything.

In just three days, the house felt different.
Empty.
Quiet.
Almost colourless.

His absence echoed in every corner. Mr. and Mrs. Isham noticed. How she stayed quiet. How her smile had faded. How her mind drifted somewhere else.They exchanged knowing glances, hiding their smiles.
Because to them, It was obvious. Maliha was missing Haseeb.
Deeply.
That night, she lay on the bed. Turning from one side to the other. Trying to sleep. But sleep refused to come. With a frustrated sigh, she turned again. Her eyes falling on his side of the bed.
Empty.

His pillow untouched. Her gaze lingered there.
And suddenly, her eyes filled with tears.

“Why am I missing him so much…?” she whispered to herself.

Her voice trembling.
She sat up. Unable to bear the silence anymore.
Slowly, she walked toward the wardrobe and opened it.
Her fingers moved through his clothes until they stopped. On one of his shirts. She pulled it out.
Brought it closer. And inhaled deeply. His fragrance.
Familiar.
Comforting.

Her lips curved into a faint smile. Without thinking, she slipped it over her night dress. The fabric falling loosely around her. Wrapping her in him.
As if he was there.
As if his arms were around her.

She closed her eyes for a moment. Letting that feeling sink in. Then slowly, she walked back to the bed.
Lying down on his side. Her head resting on his pillow.
Her fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt. A soft smile played on her lips.

“I’m missing you… dear husband,” she whispered.

Her voice barely audible. Her eyes slowly closed.
And for the first time in three nights, sleep found her.
Wrapped in his scent.
His memory.
And the love—
She had finally begun to accept.

-------
The evening in Islamabad felt different today.
The winds carried softness in them, and the fading sunset painted the sky in warm shades of gold and orange as if the city itself was welcoming Aarib and Roshaane home.

After picking Zarnish from Lahore, they had finally reached Islamabad, and now the whole family was gathered in the hall. The house felt alive again.
Mr. and Mrs. Hameed Ahmad couldn’t hide their happiness after seeing their children together after so long. Robi and Waqas Ahmad were also there, asking about Shams and smiling with relief seeing Zarnish glowing with happiness.

“You both are staying this time, right?” Madiha Ahmad asked hopefully while serving tea herself. “I’m not letting my children leave again.”

Aarib smiled softly, but his eyes unconsciously drifted toward Roshaane for a second.

“We’ll stay for a week, Mom. Then we’ll have to go back,” he replied gently.

Instantly, the smile faded from her face.
“Then I’m not talking to you.”

Offended, she stood up and walked toward her room.
Aarib sighed deeply while everyone else looked away innocently.

“Deal with your mother yourself,” Hameed Ahmad teased.

Zarnish giggled and stood up, holding Aarib’s hand.
“Come, before she starts crying too.”

Both siblings walked toward their mother’s room while Roshaane watched them quietly, a small smile resting on her lips. Hameed Ahmad noticed her expression.

“You think they’ll convince her?” he asked knowingly.
Roshaane smiled softly.

“Taya Abu… Aarib can win every heart.”

Her words made him look at her carefully.
Because in her eyes, he could see love.
Pure.
Deep.
Unhidden.

Inside the room, Madiha Ahmad sat on the bed with crossed arms, pretending to stay upset. The moment Aarib and Zarnish entered, both exchanged a glance before sitting down on the floor beside her.

Then together, like little children, they rested their heads in her lap. Madiha Ahmad looked down at them, and instantly her eyes filled with tears.

“My children…” she whispered lovingly, running her fingers through their hair.

“Are you really angry?” Aarib asked, looking up at her.

“I missed you both,” she replied emotionally. “And now you’ve barely arrived and already started talking about leaving again.”

Aarib smiled faintly.

“I know I’m hurting you, Mom… but I’m planning something.”

Both Zarnish and Madiha Ahmad looked at him in confusion.

“What planning?” his mother asked immediately. Then her expression softened with concern. “Aarib… are you really happy?”

He stayed quiet.
And she continued softly.

“I know how much you loved Maliha. I know the dreams you built with her.”
Aarib lowered his eyes for a moment.

Then nodded.
“It’s true.”

His voice carried honesty.
“I loved her deeply. I dreamed an entire life with her.”
A pause.

“But destiny had different plans.”
His gaze lifted again, calmer this time.

“And now… someone else dreams of building a beautiful life with me. I’m trying not to break her dreams.”
His mother listened silently.

“Maliha was my past,” he admitted quietly. “A painful part of my life that maybe will always remain somewhere in my heart.” His eyes turned slightly wet.

“But when I think about living without Roshaane…”
A small smile touched his lips unknowingly.
“…my heart feels empty.”

At the door, someone stilled.
Roshaane. Who had come quietly and now stood there listening.
Aarib continued softly,

“I don’t want to stay trapped in pain anymore. I want to live happily now. I want to love her the way she deserves.” Madiha Ahmad smiled emotionally and kissed his forehead.

“You will,” she whispered. “Because that girl loves you more than her own life.”
Aarib smiled.

“I know.”
Right then a knock sounded on the door.
Everyone turned. And Roshaane stepped inside.

“I came to check on the mother-son emotional session,” she said lightly, trying to hide her feelings.

She sat beside Aarib.
Immediately Zarnish smirked.
“See bhai, she can’t stay away from you for long.”
Roshaane’s cheeks instantly turned pink.

“N-No… it’s not like that.”
Aarib chuckled softly at her nervousness.

Then suddenly he straightened dramatically.
“Okay. Since everyone is here… I have an announcement.”

The room went silent. Madiha Ahmad frowned slightly.
“What happened?”

Aarib looked completely serious.
“I’m getting married.”

His mother gasped. Zarnish stared at him in shock.
While beside him, Roshaane lowered her face, trying to hide her smile. Before anyone could react further, Madhia Ahmad smacked his shoulder.

“What nonsense are you saying?!”

“With your daughter-in-law!” Aarib said quickly, pointing toward Roshaane.

Everyone burst out laughing while Roshaane giggled seeing him get scolded.

“Enjoying my suffering?” Aarib narrowed his eyes at her.

“This was your idea. Explain it yourself.”

He tried standing dramatically, but one look from her made him sit back down again.

“You can’t do this to me,” he muttered under his breath while staring into her eyes.

“I never said anything,” she replied innocently, pushing her hair behind her ear.

That tiny action alone made his heartbeat stumble.
He looked away immediately.

“Control yourself, Aarib,” he mumbled to himself.

Zarnish laughed loudly.
“So what exactly is happening?”
Aarib sighed.

“Basically, your sister-in-law wants a grand wedding after attending Aabia’s.”

“Liar!” Roshaane protested immediately, turning toward him. “You wanted to see me in a bridal dress.”

“In Turkish style,” Aarib corrected shamelessly. “That part was my idea. The grand wedding part is yours.”

“You’re putting all the blame on me now!”

“It was your wish.”

“Huh. Fine then,” she folded her arms. “I’ll wear a full red Pakistani lehenga.”

Before she could move away, Aarib caught her wrist and gently pulled her back beside him.

“The wedding,” he said softly while holding her close enough for only her to feel his warmth, “will happen in Turkish style.”

His eyes locked with hers.
“And I want my bride in a white wedding dress.”

For a moment, both forgot the others were even there.
Their eyes held each other completely.
Lost.
Silent.
Soft.

“Ahem.”
Zarnish coughed loudly.

Both immediately looked away.
Madiha Ahmad hid her smile.

“So… when is this wedding happening?” she asked teasingly.

Aarib, still distracted by Roshaane’s blushing face, replied absentmindedly.

“When we go back…”
Then finally blinking back to reality, he looked at his mother properly.

“You’ll come, right?”
Madiha Ahmad smiled warmly.

“We’ll come happily.”
Aarib smiled back.

And again, his eyes drifted toward Roshaane. Toward the girl whose shy smile now felt more beautiful than peace itself.

“You both should go rest now,” Madiha Ahmad said knowingly while noticing the constant exchange of glances between them.

Roshaane stood first, trying to hide her smile as she hurried out. Aarib followed right after her without wasting another second. Behind them, Zarnish and Madiha Ahmad looked at each other and smiled. Because for the first time in a very long while, Aarib truly looked happy again.

------
Roshaane entered the room first, still smiling. Still lost in the warmth of the conversation downstairs. Her cheeks carried a faint pink shade while her heart still fluttered remembering the way Aarib had looked at her in front of everyone. She stepped inside absentmindedly, not noticing him following right behind her. The moment she crossed the room, the door clicked shut. Before she could even turn, a strong arm snaked around her waist.

A gasp escaped her lips as Aarib swiftly pulled her back against him and gently spun her toward the wall behind her.

“Aarib."

Startled, breathless words escaped her lips while her wide eyes lifted to him. He stood dangerously close.
Too close.
That familiar smile rested on his lips. The one that always made her heart lose control.

“So…” he said slowly, one hand resting beside her head against the wall, “what exactly were you saying downstairs?”

His eyes held amusement.
And something deeper.
Something softer.

“I-I wasn’t saying anything,” she replied nervously, trying to steady her breathing. “You just startled me.”

“Not now.” He shook his head lightly.

“I’m talking about downstairs. You blamed everything on me.” As he spoke, his fingers slowly brushed down her arm. A simple touch, yet enough to make her heartbeat stumble.

“Aarib…” she whispered softly.

But he moved closer.
Too close.
His fingertips traced the side of her neck gently, making her breath catch in her throat.

“What did you say, Roshaane?” he whispered near her ear before lowering his face slightly, inhaling her fragrance. Her fingers clenched nervously in the fabric of her dress.

“I didn’t...”
She stopped.

Because his thumb suddenly pressed softly against her lips. And the smile in his eyes faded. Something vulnerable replaced it.

“I thought…” he whispered quietly, “you would leave me too.” her brows frowned instantly. Confusion crossed her face.

“What?”
His eyes lowered for a second.

And when he looked at her again, they were wet.

“I thought one day… you’d leave me the same way Maliha did.” His voice was barely above a whisper.

But it pierced straight into her heart.
Before she could answer, He suddenly pulled her into his arms.
Tightly.
As if afraid she might disappear.

“I thought I would be left alone again,” he murmured against her hair.

Roshaane’s eyes filled immediately. Her arms wrapped around him without hesitation.

“I can never leave you,” she whispered emotionally.

“Never in my life.”
Aarib slowly pulled back.

Just enough to look into her eyes.
“Promise?”

The way he asked.
So softly.
So carefully.
Like a wounded heart asking for reassurance.
It broke her completely. A tear slipped down her cheek as she nodded.

“Promise.” A small smile finally appeared on his lips.
And suddenly both of them laughed softly through their tears.

Aarib leaned closer again.
“Then let’s seal the promise.”

Roshaane’s breath stopped. Her eyes widened slightly.
And slowly, his gaze dropped to her lips. Her heartbeat exploded inside her chest. Her lashes lowered. Her lips trembled ever so slightly while he leaned closer…
Closer. But instead of kissing her, she suddenly felt his teeth lightly bite the tip of her nose.

“Ouch!”
She instantly pulled back, glaring at him while rubbing her nose.

Aarib burst out laughing.
“What was that?!” she asked, offended.

Still laughing, he leaned casually against the wall.
“I’m saving our first kiss for the wedding day,” he reminded shamelessly with a wink.

Her cheeks turned completely red.
“Shameless,” she muttered while pushing him away.

Turning around quickly to hide her embarrassment, she started walking toward the bed.

But Aarib followed immediately. Still talking, still teasing, Still making her smile.

"Were you expecting me to kiss you?" He asked following her around.

"Shut up." She blished hard avoided to look at him and he smiled.

His teasing questions started. Sometimes he answered.
Sometimes she denied things dramatically.

Sometimes she simply hid her face while laughing shyly.
And somewhere between those silly arguments, teasing smiles, and stolen glances, they unknowingly began planning a future that no longer felt distant.

A future, that finally belonged to both of them.

.
A/N:: Assalam-o-Alaikum, readers! 💖
How are you all?

First of all, I’m really sorry for being late with the updates. As I told you before, I’ve started a job, and after coming back home, I still have to manage tuition classes, my kids’ studies, household responsibilities, and many other tasks. Life has been extremely busy, and handling everything alone made it difficult for me to keep up with writing.

I hope you all understand, and I’m truly thankful for your patience and support. Your love means a lot to me. ❤️

Three chapters are here for you all! I’ll most probably be ending the story in the upcoming updates, so enjoy these chapters and keep smiling.

With love,
Your Author,
Kiran Hafeez