Ghazal moved her shivering fingers over the bangles her mother-in-law had gifted her a few hours earlier when she got to know about the good news her daughter-in-law was about to give them. She was feeling giddy with happiness from inside, maybe it was Allah's way of pulling her married life to track, maybe after knowing about the new addition in their lives Farzan would begin to acknowledge her as his wife.

The door opened with a thud, revealing her husband who was away from his senses, so much that he was hardly keeping himself balanced. Ghazal left her place from the bed and was on his side in an instant. Though Farzan shoved her hands of help away from him she helped him to come up to bed.

"W-hat y-ou wa-nt to say woma-n?"

"What?"

Her mere query ignited his anger as he with a jerk crashed the flower pot on the floor. "Are yo-u deaf or wh-at? Am-ma said you wil-l tell me so-methin-g. Say."

Ghazal twisted her fingers in agitation, there was a sort of shyness, fear in her to share this big news with her husband.

"Farzan, you are going to be a father. I'm expecting."

"WHAT?"

Ghazal moved a little back in fear at his yelling, he held her wrist stopping her movements. He stood up, his eyes seemed to be killing her only with his glare, "Who-se child is t-his? Sa-y, you fil-thy woma-n."

Ghazal's heart squeezed hearing such absurdities for herself that too from her husband, she bit her lower lip wiping the tears fully knowing how Farzan hated her tears.

"It's yours, Farzan. Please trust me, I never betrayed you."

Farzan pushed her forcefully aside, injuring her forehead as it got hit by the wall and vanished behind the washroom door leaving Ghazal empty with only self-humiliation and agony of her life.

"Assalamualaikum Nanna."

"Walaikumassalam, child. I was just about to call you."

Ghazal pursed her lips in order to stop her shivering self, as her fingers mindlessly played on the fabric flowers over her dress. Should she tell her? She was feeling kind of shy, embarrassed sharing that information but there was not anyone else who could help her in this matter except Nanna.

"Why you wanted to call?"

"Firstly you tell me, why are you sounding so low?"

Ghazal took a long sigh somewhat relaxed as always Nanna had understood her problem which would help her in sharing her doubt.

"Nanna, I am feeling kind of dizzy from the morning."

She shared her doubt, telling her about the events of the past few days when Ghazal would only feel drained out and weak, also about the vomiting of today morning.

"Let's go to the doctor. Stay in your bed until I come."

Ghazal accepted her offer before cutting the call. What if she was really expecting? What if she would be going to be a mother again? She felt a serene excitement budding inside her heart just by thinking of this, though she scolded herself for keeping expectations when nothing was sure her heart was adamant on feeling the happiness it was getting by the thoughts of motherhood.

"All will be alright."

Nanna kissed her temple when they were about to enter the doctor's cabin. The lady was nice as she thoroughly ran check-ups on Ghazal, asking about every single thing in detail, also took some tests which were necessary. She was worried to no end, what would happen. Despite she was not new to that but it was all making her kind of nervous.

They were now seated outside the doctor's cabin, waiting for the results to come out. She was silently praying to Allah to keep everything well. Nanna held her shaking hands, giving a heartwarming smile at her way.

"Child, there is no need to worr-"

"Mrs. Ghazal Haaris."

Their conversation was halted by the calling nurse who ushered them inside the doctor's cabin. The doctor gave her a friendly smile as she took her place.

"Congratulations Mrs. Haaris, you are expecting."

"Masha Allah."

It was Nanna's words as she gave Ghazal a tight side-hug kissing her temple making her embarrassed over the situation, her cheeks burning with shyness. The doctor prescribed the medicines and suggested some measures to take care of herself and the child.

Alhamdulillah!

"Nanna, will you inform Haaris about this?"

"Certainly not. I can't snatch from you the perfect moment of happiness."

Nanna denied her request in one go as they made their way to their house. Ghazal bit her lower lip in anticipation, "Look, child, that is the moment which you will cherish for your whole life. Don't be shy." Her grandmother lovingly pressed her hand. There was fear in her more than the shyness but she nodded silently.

"Yeah, before I forget. Batool has invited your family to her granddaughter's marriage, next week. That's why I was about to call you. "

Ghazal nodded in affirmation, her mind still muddled up in her past, present and now future too stopping her to take pleasure in the dawn of her motherhood.

***

Haaris gave a tired glance to his wristwatch which was showing half-past nine of the night, before parking his car in the garage. Now all he wanted was to be with his family, his wife-Ghazal. With the thought of his wife, his eyes flickered to the red rose bouquet on his front seat which was specially made for Ghazal.

His first day was somewhat great, not that bad as he had anticipated. He liked his job, it was opening his mind in different perspectives and also showing him the hidden abilities of himself. Haaris slowly opened the door to find Ghazal standing by the closed balcony door looking out at the sky, her hair rested on her back like a black waterfall. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't hear him coming near her until he wound his arms around her waist gently.

"Hey, tigeress."

Ghazal jerked from her thoughts as he placed a soft kiss on her cheek, enjoying the feeling of warmth that had instantly surrounded him coming near his wife.

"Hey, how was your day?"

Ghazal asked turning in his arms, a weak smile on her lips as she looked in his eyes, her hand cupping his jaw.

"It was good. What about you? How's your health?"

"It's fine."

It didn't seem fine to him because she literally felt drained out as if there was no energy left in her. Ghazal never took care of herself properly and she never understood how bad he felt every time looking her in pain or weak because she was the only one Haaris had.

"Where's champ?"

"He is with Papa watching some movie and he will sleep there too tonight."

Ghazal replied, her fingers playing with his shirt buttons. She was looking kind of disturbed or in thoughts like she wanted to say something but was having tremendous difficulty.

"Haaris, I want to say something. "

"Yes, tigress. I am listening. "

Haaris tilted her head up to look in her eyes as he kissed her forehead to relax her.

"Today I went to the doctor with Nanna."

"Okay, that's good."

"You are going to be a father, Haaris. "

"Okay," Haaris replied to her quick statement for her to continue unable to understand what she actually meant. Ghazal's cheeks were red and eyes were still on his face as if to search his reaction and which forced him to go back to her statement pushing him to a pit of realization.

"OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!"

Haaris yelled excitedly as he pulled Ghazal for a hug and in a swift motion picked her up in his arms to which Ghazal let out an amused squeal.

"Haaris put me down. "

He was going to be a father! His child, Adam would be having a sibling. He never felt so much happiness in a moment as he was feeling right now there were some tears in his eyes as he was unable to contain so much happiness inside him. He made his way to the bed with Ghazal still in his arms, his eyes were not ready to move from her face. She was the woman who had turned the path of his happiness towards him again just by coming in his life.

"You have made me the happiest man on earth, tigeress."

Haaris confessed truthfully lying beside his wife who was just staring at him with a smile on her face, her fingers tracing his cheek. He kissed the inside of her palm before leaning down to place kisses on her lips. Ghazal cupped his face forcing him to look at her, a small droplet of tears dropping from the corner of her eyes.

"You don't know Haaris how great you are."

"It's you who has found this side of me. It was hidden until you met me."

Haaris kissed the trail of tears on her cheek, somewhat understanding what Ghazal was going through. He could understand how Farzan used to behave with Adam because whenever Haaris used to do something for Adam, there would be different shades of gratefulness and awe on Ghazal's face. She might be going through the same fear this time too or maybe the future of Adam regarding the new addition to their lives. Perhaps he couldn't do much more for her but could calm her by some strong promises which if Allah wills, he would never break ever.

"Ghazal, keep this thing always in your mind-Adam will always be my first child. "

Ghazal traced his eyes with her shy fingers as she gave a big smile which reached her eyes making them shinier than before, "I know. I never doubted you."

"Ah, I am too happy!"

Haaris chirped too loudly lying on his back as he again felt the happiness bursting up inside him due to the good news. Ghazal giggled at his excited self resting her head on her fist, her eyes roaming on his face as she leaned down a little, brushing her lips to his. Ghazal for once looked in his eyes, her eyes shining with adoration and a warm smile on her lips before she placed her head on his chest and Haaris closed his eyes tugging her closer to him, finding solace in his partner's company.

***

Ghazal huffed in annoyance as the door of her room opened revealing her husband who was as usual late. Today was the marriage of Batool Khala's granddaughter, Safiya Jameel and Ghazal had decided to go there with her husband who didn't show up on time. Firstly she waited for Haaris at their home but it was getting late so Papa concerning her health dropped Ghazal and Adam to Nanna's house to get ready for the function.

She was sure they would be the latest guest in the entire history. Ghazal pursed her lips to show herself more than annoyed and moved passed Haaris towards the mirror to wear her pearl studs. Ghazal patted herself for ignoring his constant loud clearing of a throat.

"Do you want a cough syrup for your throat, Mr. Haaris?"

Haaris chuckled at her query and came behind her in quick strides, wrapping his arms around her waist he placed his chin on her shoulder looking at her through the mirror. His gaze was intense as he kissed her earlobe tenderly.

"Did I ever tell you how beautiful you look when you are angry?"

"That's the reason you make me so angry."

"Very good Dr. Ghazal. You have clearly paid attention in your classes."

Ghazal poked her elbow in his ribs resulting in an amused wince from him. Haaris made her turn to face him, tugging the stray strand behind her ear, which had been left out from her low bun. It was all very blissful, whether they were bantering with each other or whispering sweet nothings. Because she never felt the true meaning of marriage until now when Haaris came in her life turning all her dreams into a serene reality. After Farzan, she never wanted to trust any man but Haaris began to clear out her misunderstandings by showing her that not all men are same. How he spoke to her, how he held her, his sweet gestures of love and mostly how he treated her son like his own. Ghazal was still going back to the day when she had revealed about her pregnancy to Haaris, his expressions were priceless. Nanna was right, she would remember it for her entire life and though she never doubted Haaris regarding his love for Adam, that assurance he gave to her about Adam, soothed her fully leaving only a balmy feeling of joy in its wake.

"You're zoning out, tigeress."

Ghazal blinked her eyes rapidly at him to get a grip of her present and Haaris chortled kissing her eyelids. "So tell me how my three kids are?"

"Three kids?"

"You." Haaris placed a kiss on her nose, "Adi and my baby." he slowly bent down to place his head on her stomach catching her off guard. Ghazal giggled at his gesture, "They all are fine, Alhamdulillah. But I am still angry with you." He stood up extending his hand for her to take and she did.

"That's a big problem but let's sort it out on the way. I think Adam will sleep on the couch watching tv if we don't leave in this instant."

"Yeah, as it's my fault."

Ghazal rolled her eyes and was about to move when Haaris grabbed her wrist pulling her to him, their breaths mingling with each other as Haaris stared at her with amusement filled orbs. Leaning down a little he bit the tip of her nose shushing her thoughts all over.

"You're gonna pay for this."

"I am waiting for the payback. "

Haaris winked at her and she bit her lower lip to hide her smile, before leaving the room with him to the living room where Adam was about to sleep, his eyes drowsy.

"Hey, champ."

"I thought you both shlept."

They both chuckled at his statement and Haaris picked him up his arms making their way to the exit for the car.

***

"Dad ish this a ishcream?"

"Yup, do you want one?"

Adam looked somewhat confused making choices from the three cups of icecream. His eyes were going back and forth from cups forcing Haaris to laugh out and placing a kiss on his chubby cheek.

"Don't worry champ, we will eat all three flavors. "

"Really? But what about Ma, she will shcold ush for eating too much."

"Who will tell Ma?" Haaris asked with a devilish grin and his son's eyes widened happily at the realization.

"Nobody."

They both said in unison giving a high five to each other and grabbed the cups of vanilla icecream devouring its taste. The function was going good, it was of Safiya, her childhood friend. Not so much but whenever he used to come at Nanna's in his younger years they used to play those silly games of hide and seek and all. She was a lot younger than him and Haaris had always seen his sister in her. He was quite shocked to hear about her marriage at such a tender age.

A thin white curtain was separating the men section from the women's section. His eyes were many times flickering towards the curtain to steal a glance of his wife whom he hadn't seen from the total one hour.

You're crazy, Haaris.

I know.

He only knew how he spent those eight hours of work without seeing Ghazal, Haaris had to suffice those hours on mere messaging and calls. As his eyes again went to curtain Haaris saw someone who felt much more familiar to him. His doubt was right because the next moment when the lady came outside of the women's side, his eyes widened in fear.

His hands began to become sweaty and the incident of the mall started revolving in his head. She was Azkiya, yes she was. But how could she be here when she died? It was not a play of look-alikes or his hallucination, she was literally standing in front of him working on her mobile phone.

Azkiya left the venue and he was stuck in his place unable to decipher the events of his life. Ghazal! He only needed Ghazal. She was the one who could handle him, she was the one who could solve his problems. Haaris needed to see her, instantly just now. Adam was still in his arms taking the last bite of his ice cream.

"Adam, will you do one task for me."

Haaris requested him to bring Ghazal to the back of the hall which was the most secluded area. Adam quickly ran and vanished at the other side of the hall. By the time Ghazal walked out, he was impatiently walking rubbing his hands together to keep himself calm but all was going vain.

"I dare you if it's one your prank-"

Ghazal stopped her threat looking at his face in concern maybe all was visible from his face what he would be feeling. She turned to look at Adam who was standing at the corner waiting for their conversation to end.

"Baby, please go and guard my bag so that no one steals it."

"Yesh Ma, right away."

As Adam left them alone, Haaris lunged forward hugging his lady to relax from his dangerous thoughts. Ghazal moved her fingers gently in his hair, kissing his temple.

"What happened Haaris? Everything okay?"

"Azkiya.."

Haaris mumbled in her embrace, his voice getting somewhat muffled by her silk scarf. Ghazal hesitantly pried him a little away to look in his eyes, her gaze confused.

"What Azkiya?"

"I saw Azkiya here."

"What?"

Haaris just remained silent at her query because he too was not sure but it all was beyond disturbing. Ghazal cupped his jaw, " She died Haaris, how could she come back?"

"That's what I feel too but it's the second time I'm seeing her. I don't know-"

"Shhh, it's alright. We will sort out everything. "

Ghazal kissed his forehead, moving his fringes away from his eyes. "Could that be my imagination, tigeress?"

He put his query into words as they took their seats on the corner bench, only the darkness, and stars surrounding them. Ghazal who was lost in thoughts looked at him.

"I don't know. Do you ever had a hallucination of her?"

"No. I hallucinated myself being in the car of the accident but I never saw her."

It was true though they had a relationship of two years, Haaris only remembered Azkiya as guilt, his mistake which had taken her life. That was why he never had a hallucination of her.

"You saw the whole rituals of her post-death?"

"No." Haaris concentrated on the memories of the past two years when he had come to know about her death, "I didn't go to her funeral. I was so shocked hearing about her death that I was passed out for a whole two days."

"That means you never saw her dead body?"

Haaris shook his head, "I only came to know about her death through Papa." They both looked at each other as the realization hit them. That might be the thing, his father had lied to him about Azkiya's death. But what forced him to lie to his son, that too about the thing which pushed him into the limits of self-harm and guilt.