Author's POV:

Next morning, Neha got up with new energy and dressed herself the best way to start her new journey. Her father's idea of listing out her insecurities and fears has given her a fresh perspective on life. She got ready to put the past behind her and move on in her life; a fading memory that had been bothering her for the previous four years.

One-sided love only leaves you with an enduring scar that can destroy both your life and the lives of others around you, and as soon as you walk away from it, you feel like regaining your lost freedom. Neha was also feeling the same way today; the talk with her father was an unasked but necessary awakening needed to her.

Getting dressed in a pink floral co-ord set with a brown hijab and high heels and walks towards the left side of the dressing table to wear her bracelet-stacked wrist watch. After putting on a generous amount of KAYALI vanilla Eau De Parfum and grabbing her laptop bag, she went downstairs for breakfast before heading to her studio.

Ruksana completed her morning work and started to prepare the list for her next YouTube video. As she was making the list and thinking about the ideas, she got a call from Afsha at 1:30 p.m. She got worried and quickly answered the call.

"Assalamualaikum Aunty, How are you?" As soon as Ruksana answered the call, she was relieved to hear the smooth voice of Afsha.

"Waalaikumassalam Beta, I am fine, Alhamdulillah. How are you and how's your health?" Wanting for the confirmation, she still asked about her whereabouts.

"Alhamdulillah, I am fine, Aunty. Actually, I wanted to ask about the recipe of Nihari you cooked; I am having a craving for it." After replying about her whereabouts, Afsha asked the reason for her call.

"Oh, that's the issue. Ok, grab the pen and paper. I will tell you the recipe..........." ,"Don't forget to add a tea spoon of garam masala and garnish with coriander before you switch off the stove." After explaining the detailed recipe, Ruksana gave her a tip of advice.

"Thank you, Aunty. I will add it for sure, and InshaAllah, try to make it as tasty as yours." Afsha, after making note of the recipe and sheepishly grinned, pregnancy hormones and cravings have made her taste buds sensitive, making her easily get disappointed with the slight change in taste.

"It's fine, beta; I will make Nihari for you when you come here, and how's everyone there?" Ruksana offered to make Nihari for Afsha, turning her lips slightly upwards.

"Alhamdulillah, everything is fine here. Tell me there, how's everything?"

"Everyone is fine here as well, and just slightly disappointed", Ruksana couldn't control herself from disclosing about Neha's proposal incident.

"Why? what happened?"

"Actually, Beta, a few days back some members came to see Neha; they were kind of family friends, but it didn't go well." Ruksana started to narrate. Afsha was shocked to hear about the guests arrival.

Remembering, Arshiya's desire for making Neha as Adil's bride, Afsha thought to talk with Ruksana Aunty, now itself. "Aunty, if you don't mind, can I ask you something?" So Afsha initiated the conversation.

"Yes, Beta, tell me why you are hesitant; just ask." Ruksana thought may be Afsha was asking about another recipe or something else, so she told her to ask without any hesitation.

"Aunty, actually, when Neha came to Bangalore. Mamma, actually my whole family." Afsha paused

"I can't understand anything, Beta and I can't hear you properly," Ruksana thought. Perhaps due to a network issue, she was unable to hear properly, so she went outside to the balcony.

Thinking it is a now-or-never situation, Afsha has finally spilled the beans about her desire to make Neha her sister-in-law. "Aunty, we liked Neha and Mamma thinks she can be good for Adil." Ruksana didn't understand how to react, and she became blank.

"I will ask everyone and let you know the decision," Ruksana, composing herself, replied to Afsha's proposal.

Earlier incident has made her understand clearly that getting overly excited and making a sudden decision may not only lead to disappointment but can also affect previous friendships as well. Afsha is not only their dearest family friend, but they are also relatives of Anjum, so it was better to discuss and put forward the decision.

"It's ok, Aunty; I can understand. You can take your own time and let me know the decision." Afsha understood Ruksana's hesitation and agreed with her. Moreover, Afsha was kind of happy that she didn't agree quickly, as Adil is still unaware of everything, so it was a win-win situation.

After discussing the other matters, both of them disconnected the call, and quickly, Afsha called her mother to tell about the discussion with Neha's mother.

Ruksana went to Salma Dadi's room and called Anjum as well, to have ladies talk about the matter and finally they decided that Ruksana will discuss with Ali first before moving forward with the proposal.

"I got a call from Afsha today", Slowly, Ruksana initiated the conversation. Salma dadi had her lunch already in her room, and Ruksana and Ali were having their lunch in the dining area.

" Oh, How is she? When are they coming back?"

"Alhamdulillah, she is fine and InshaAllah she will come by this weekend."

"Oh, that is lovely, tell her to stop by once." Ali cheerfully advised and continued eating.

Ruksana eventually said, "Actually, Afsha proposed for Neha's hand for her brother, Adil," which caused Ali to stop eating and turn to face her, possibly to determine the seriousness of the situation.

"Few days ago, when Neha visited Bangalore, Afsha's family saw her and liked her," Ruksana continued, and the whole time Ali just saw her, making her nervous.

"Let us first discuss with Neha and then inform them of the decision," Ali finally said, to which Ruksana nodded. "Tonight, let us discuss with her; based on her decision, we will move forward," Ali continued.

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Adil's POV:

"Bro", as I was leaving from the firm, I heard Sameer calling me. Stopping myself, I stood there without turning towards him

"When someone calls you, you should answer back facing towards them."  Coming towards me, he gives his unnecessary advice. Well, you guys are wondering why am I being unapproachable to him. Let me brief you all, It has been a week since he confessed about his love but didn't reveal her name yet, have tried all my ways to get the name revealed, but this good-for-nothing friend of mine is being as stubborn as a mule, so I have decided to be as unfriendly as possible towards him, Call me childish or whatever but it is what it is—you get served as you behave.

"Come on, let's race till your house," ignoring my cold behaviour, he challenged me. People get blind in love, but this friend of mine has not only lost his sight but also his thinking power. Who thinks to race during these peak traffic hours?"

Pointing my watch-wrapped wrist towards his direction I glared at him. "So what? Come on, let's race," he said, shrugging his shoulders and moved past me to sit in his car.

As I stepped out of the car, I saw Sameer's car already parked in the parking lot. Rolling my eyes, I went inside to see him sitting in the living room, getting lectured by Khalid Abbu, while Sameer just nodding his head like an obedient man, this is a sight to be cherished. Grinning,  I dragged myself to the living room to enjoy this spectacular scene.

"You kids do not know the value of life; we soldiers risk our lives to protect you and your family members, but today's youth do not want to serve their country; instead, they just enjoy partying and racing, and when you ask them, they think we are lecturing and because of this, humanity is nowhere to be found. If you do not respect the morals of elders, then tomorrow your children will also behave the same way.", Abbu was ranting, giving a playful grin towards Sameer I quickly dashed to my room.

"Got your reward for winning the race?", I teased Sameer as soon as I saw him come into my room, and he scowled at me and dragged himself onto my bed. After a while, I also sat down next to him on the bed, and started to use our phones.

"I have not seen you enter the house. When did you come?" Mamma asked as she entered my room, followed by Aru Mamma. As soon as they did, we slid aside to make a room for them to sit.

"Leave him, Aunty. What snacks have you made for me, It's been long time since I ate food made by Arshiya Aunty", Sameer scoped between both of the Mammas and started his as usual buttering process

"Wait, let me bring Beta; I have made Bread Pakoda", Aru Mamma got up to bring the snacks for Sameer.

"Yes aunty bring a plate extra for your nephew,"  he responded and everyone started to laugh, which made me roll my eyes, Sometimes I think it is his house rather than me. Whenever this idiot comes to the house, everyone forgets me.

"So, how's everything going on", Mamma turned towards us and asked 

I put my head on her lap, and Sameer placed his head on the other side of her lap, and we both replied, "Alhamdulillah, good, Mamma," and "Alhamdulillah", Mamma started to caress our hair with both of her hands.

As Aru Mamma came with the bread pakoda, me and Sameer got up and attacked it quickly.

"Beta, we are thinking of going to Hyderabad along with Afsha", as we were busy in gulping, Mamma said.

May be Mamma and Baba want to go with Affu Di to help her, "Okay, then shall I book tickets for you both?"  I asked, looking at Mamma, to which both Aru Mamma and Mamma exchanged their looks, making me confused.

"Actually Beta, we in the sense we all—me, your Baba, Khalid Bhaisaab, Arshiya Bhabhi, and even you."  Hearing it made me gulp the bread at once, and I got a strange feeling about this sudden plan.

"Oh wow Aunty, Can I also come with you all. It's been a long time since I went somewhere out  for a trip."  Before I could voice it out, Sameer added himself to this impromptu plan.

"Of course, Beta, you can come."  Mamma caressed his hair and agreed. 

"Wait a second before the whole trip is discussed. Can anyone tell me the reason of this sudden, announced family trip", I asked, looking at both of my moms

"Beta, We have liked a proposal for you; to talk further, we are thinking to go." Aru Mamma said.

"Proposal in the sense?" Before coming to the conclusion, I wanted a clarification of the statement.

"Obviously for your marriage," This statement made me blank, I don't know who replied but I can hear Sameer's voice of excitement and others talking about the girl. I just stood up and moved to the balcony of my room.

Later, after dinner, Sameer booked tickets for everyone for this weekend. "Aunty, I have a penthouse in Hyderabad, we can stay there," Sameer stated. Initially, everyone hesitated, but later, giving up on his stubbornness, they all agreed.

Upon entering my room, I made my way straight to my wardrobe closet. I pulled open the third drawer and removed a square velvet box. Opening the box, I looked at the golden bracelet, which had three flower shaped diamond stones on it. Taking the bracelet from the box, I traced the pattern slowly.

She loved bracelets, so I bought one for her but never had the nerve to give it to her. I kept the bracelet for myself, thinking that one day I would have the confidence to ask her out and declare my love, but little did I know that waiting so long had not only increased our distance but also get out of her life. This anticipation, this waiting for her, has completely collapsed our nonexistent relationship today.

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Grab your seats the most anticipated movement is about to come.

What do you guys think about Adil's and Neha's past?

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