Inarah's POV,
I was in my walk-in closet with Heena, who was determined to choose the best dress for my dinner date with Rahil. As for me, I wasn't the least bit excited, so I let her do as she wished.

"OMG! Rahil seems like such a gentleman. He's handsome, cute, smart, sweet, kind... he prays five times and even loves kids. Oh my! He's a total package. I wish I could someday find a guy like him too," Heena said, overexcited.

"You can have him if you want," I mumbled to myself, but I guess she heard it as she snapped her head at me and stormed towards me with her hands on her hips.

"Inarah!" She yelled but then sighed, sitting on her knees in front of me as I sat on my stool. She looked at my face and brought her hand forward to caress my face gently.

"This isn't you, Inu. This pale face, eyes deprived of their spark... this isn't like you.... you're The Inarah Qureshi," she said softly.

"Maybe that's the problem," my voice came out as a whisper.

"Huh?"

I looked up at her, tears already streaming down my cheeks. "I'm The Inarah Qureshi. Heir to the largest group of companies in all of Asia. That's why he hates me. What if I were an ordinary girl? What if I were born in a middle-class family... or even a poor family? Would he love me then? Would he accept me then... would he..."

She pulled me into a hug, silencing me. "Inu... whatever happens, it happens for a reason, according to the plan of the Lord above. If Zayaan is pushing you away and Rahil is entering your life, then there must be a good reason for it. Maybe Rahil is the one who's written in your destiny. With Zayaan, you can only know sadness, but with Rahil, he can give you all the happiness in the world. So accept your fate and forget about your past, no matter how hard it is to do so. We're all here by your side. I'm sure Rahil will give you so much love that you'll forget about Zayaan soon enough."
She cupped my face, wiping away my tears, and I nodded in response to her comforting words.

"I love you, Heenu," I said.

"I love you too, Inu," and we shared another heartfelt hug.

Even though she says that, will I ever be able to forget him and start anew? Or will this marriage only ruin Rahil and me?

####

After choosing the dress, Heena moved to the shoe racks. I heard a knock at the door. It was Mom.

"Hi, Mom."

"Getting ready for your date?" Mom said, looking at the dress in my hand. I set it aside and went to her.

"Yeah, Heenu is going berserk inside," I said, and she laughed.

"How very nice! Can I have a word with you, my baby?" She asked, taking my hand.

"Of course, Mom," I said.

"Heena... sweetheart, I'm stealing Inarah for a minute," Mom called out from outside.

"Sure, aunty. I'm busy choosing the shoes and jewelry," she answered from inside.

Mom and I both chuckled and made our way to my bed. She sat in front of me, taking my hand in hers and looking at me lovingly. I smiled at her, squeezing her hand.

"You've grown up so fast, my darling. My beautiful and graceful princess," she said.

"I am my mother's daughter," I shrugged, grinning.

"That you are," she said, tucking my hair behind my ear as her eyes moistened. "I'm sorry we have to do all this so soon, my baby, but Rahil is a very nice man, and you'll be very happy with him. In fact, he's everything you wanted your future husband to be."

I nodded without a word. She was right... Rahil was the most perfect man, no doubt in that.

"Do you hate me, Inu?" She asked, guilt visible in her eyes.

"Of course not, Mom. How can I?" I quickly hugged her, erasing all her doubts from her mind.

"Oh, my baby!" She hugged me tighter. "I know your heart still isn't ready to accept Rahil," she said.

I pulled back, surprised, looking at her questioningly. "I am your mother. I know everything," she said, caressing my hair.

"It's alright. It takes time, I know, but when a man is patient and loving towards you, you'll find yourself inclining towards him slowly... taking one step at a time," she said.

"You think so?" I asked.

"I know so," she said, squeezing my hands. "I was like you too. Although I can say my love for your father was much deeper."

"You mean Papa?" I asked, feeling my heart clench at his memory.

She nodded. "Ashfaq was my first love... the only man I felt I could connect to and love. When I was with him, nothing else mattered. He loved me with all his being, and I loved him the same. Then you were born. It was as if we could never be happier. He loved you dearly and wanted the world for both of us, and that he did give us... but then," her voice trailed off, and she took a deep breath, blinking back her tears. "He was gone. I thought my world was over along with him. I never thought I could gather myself again and move on. I was shattered completely. The man I loved was gone. However, Haider came into our lives. First, I married him just to save our company and you, but then he was so patient with me, showered all his love and care on both you and me. Hence, soon enough, I started falling for him too. And look at us now... We love each other so much. He changed my life and joined together my shattered heart again. But that doesn't mean I stopped loving Ashfaq. He was my first love, and he always will be. He'll always have a special place in my heart."

My eyes teared up with her, and she wiped them. "That's what I'm trying to say, my baby. It will take time, but you'll both learn to accept each other because when the Lord ties two souls in a bound of marriage, he even plants the seeds of love in their hearts along with it.... and that love will bloom between you and Rahil. Right now, I understand your feelings for Zayaan, but he's not the one for you, my jaan."

She took a small box and placed it in my hand. I opened it to find a beautiful platinum male ring studded with diamonds.

"It belonged to your father. I gave it to the man I loved the most. Now it's your turn. Give this to the man you love. But don't tell about it to Haider. He might get a bit upset. Okay?" She smiled.

"You can trust me," I smiled back, holding the box tightly.

She kissed my forehead. "Now take your time to get ready, and make sure to come back home soon enough. I love you."

"Okay, Mom. I love you too," I said, and she left the room. As I brought the box closer to my heart and closed my eyes, all I could see was Zayaan.

Mom... if you still couldn't forget your first love.... how can I ever forget mine?

####

Zayaan's POV,
As I got back home from the office, I got the Chairman's text to come see him. I grimaced, but a thought crossed my mind making bile rise in my throat.

Will I be able to see Inarah there?

####
"Inarah has gone on a date with Rahil or else we could review this tender from her too." Haider Malik said busy  checking the file.

My heart sank as I remembered about this morning's incident. He had invited her tonight to express his feelings to her. My jaw clenched as I remembered how he dared to kiss her hand. I wanted to rip his lips off his face. But what right do I have to get angry. I pushed her away to him myself. Soon they might even get married...and after that, he might do more that just kissing her hand.

Fuck!

I'm loosing my mind again! I need to kill someone!

Inarah's POV,
I entered the living room where Rahil was already waiting for me. As he saw me, his mouth slightly opened with awe.

"He's even more handsome in person," Heena whispered in my ear from behind. I tried not to roll my eyes at their antics.

"You look... amazing," Rahil breathed, clearly taken aback.

"Thanks. Uh, this is my best friend, Heena... Heenu, this is Rahil," I introduced them.

"Hello, Miss Heena. It's a pleasure finally meeting you. I've heard about you from Inarah. You really are beautiful and charming, as she said," Rahil told her, shaking her hand.

"Hi, I've heard a lot about you too. You're quite the charmer, huh. I really wanted to meet my bff's fiancé. Now that I have, I can rest assured," Heena teased playfully, and Rahil responded with a shy smile.

"Looks like someone can't take their eyes off our Inarah. Well, you can credit me for that. I dressed her and did all her makeup and hair," Heena proudly said.

"Ah, I never thought she could ever look more beautiful than she already is. You just proved me wrong, Miss Heena," Rahil said, charmingly.

Heena giggled. "He's a keeper~" she sang with a grin.

####

We sat in a lavish rooftop restaurant, overlooking the exquisite view of Marine Drive, also known as the Queen's Necklace. The place was completely empty, with only a couple of waiters present. The entire area was adorned with roses of all kinds.

"Did you book the whole place?" I asked, running my fingers over the colorful roses arranged at the side.

He nodded. "Yes, so that we could have complete privacy."

"God! What are you going to do with me that you need so much privacy? Should I have brought my bodyguards along?" I joked.

He chuckled. "I'm not that wicked. You can rest assured," he said, taking my hand and planting a kiss on the back.

As we reached the table, the waiter came to pull the chair out for me, but Rahil stopped him and did so himself.

"Thank you," I said as I took my seat. He smiled warmly at me.

"Do you like the place?" he asked nervously.

"It's beautiful. Thank you for all this," I said.

"You don't have to be so formal with me, you know," he said, frowning a bit.

"Ah, guess I need some time for that," I replied with a smile.

He leaned forward on the table, gazing intently at me. "You have a beautiful smile... what can I do to make it last forever?" he said softly.

I kept silent, and he held my hand on the table. He was sweet, and the atmosphere was romantic, but my mind kept wandering to Zayaan. I felt guilty for being so preoccupied.

He lifted my hand, admiring my fingers as if they were the most interesting thing in the world. "Your hand is so beautiful too, and your fingers so delicate and soft. They're missing something, though," he said, slipping a delicate diamond ring onto my ring finger. "There... perfect. Your fingers just increased the beauty of this simple ring."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing a smile. I had always dreamed of someone else doing this for me.

He turned my hand and placed delicate kisses on my palm and every fingertip. I watched him speechless, though I felt nothing inside.

"I don't know how you feel about me right now... and we've only met a couple of times, but I have already fallen deeply in love with you, Inarah Qureshi. I want to spend the rest of my life with you... as your husband. Will you marry me?"

####

The car stopped, and the bright lights of my house came into view. I hadn't even realized when we entered the gate and reached home.

"We're here," he said.

I turned to him. "Oh... yeah, thanks," I replied, unbuckling myself.

He smiled. "Finally, you're looking at me. Throughout the way, you were just looking at the road."

"Was I?" I asked.

He nodded. "Are you shocked by my proposal?" he asked, worry lining his voice.

I shook my head. "No, just a bit surprised."

"You don't have to give me an answer right away, you know. I can wait as long as it takes... but I can't say anything about my heart," he chuckled softly.

I smiled at him. Suddenly, his face changed, and he gaped at me. He brought his hand forward, and his fingertips brushed the side of my face. "You look enthralling in the lights," he whispered.

My eyes widened as he got closer, our faces just inches away. I gently pulled his hand away from my face, stopping him. "Um... it's getting late. My family is waiting for me. Good night, Rahil, and thanks for today," I said as I hastily made my way out of his car.

He sighed and smiled, wishing me the same as I saw him leave. I turned towards the house, but a loud gasp escaped my mouth as I bumped into someone unexpectedly.

Zayaan's POV,

Stepping out of the mansion, I was about to leave when a car stopped at a bit of a distance from me. My heart raced as I saw Inarah step out, bringing a small smile to my lips. Finally getting to see her, my smile disappeared when I noticed the person she was with.

My fists clenched as I watched him touch her face, and I struggled to control my anger when he leaned closer to her. I wanted to step forward and teach him a lesson, but I held back as Inarah hastily got out of the car. He finally left, and I approached her, my anger still simmering inside me.

She gasped upon seeing me, and as I looked at her beautiful face, all my anger dissipated.

"Zayaan," she breathed my name like honey to my ears. I wanted to embrace her, but I knew I couldn't. Still, I couldn't control myself and, grabbing her hand, I led her to the backyard.

I gently guided her to a quiet corner, our eyes meeting under the night lights. Her soft, warm gaze pulled me in, but I resisted the urge to touch her, aware of the boundaries I needed to maintain.

Her smile was both beautiful and heartbreaking, her hand tenderly caressing my face. My eyes closed briefly at the affectionate gesture.

"I'm glad I get to see you again," she whispered gratefully.

As I looked into her captivating eyes, I noticed the genuine concern for me. It wasn't like anyone else's affection. She truly cared.

"What's wrong, Zayaan? You seem tired and troubled," her voice filled with genuine worry, making it hard to hide my emotions from her. Despite my past harshness, she was here, caring for me. Only Inarah had that power, despite her own struggles.

"Are you really going to marry him?" I asked, noticing the ring on her finger.

She smiled gently, "If it bothers you, I won't. But instead... would you marry me, my love? If not now, I'll wait forever."

My heart tightened at her words, but I knew I had to stay strong. "No," I managed to say, trying to push aside my vulnerability.

Her eyes welled up with tears, and it broke my heart to see her hurting. "Then you don't love me," she said, her voice trembling.

I struggled to find the words, "It's not that, it's..." I wanted to tell her the truth, but my fear held me back.

She reached out and touched my hair, her fingers sending shivers down my spine. I leaned closer, drawn to her warmth and love. "What is it, then, Zayaan?" she pleaded.

I took a deep breath, "Pity, I guess."

Her hand fell, and tears streamed down her cheeks. I longed to comfort her, but my mask stayed intact. I wanted to tell her the truth, but I couldn't risk losing her entirely.

"I see," she said, her voice breaking.

Before she walked away, I saw the hurt in her eyes. It shattered me, knowing I caused it.

"Well then, Rahil and I are getting engaged next week. You're welcome to join us as an honored guest," she said, her smile not reaching her eyes.

Feeling her push my hand away, I let her go, and she walked away with her head held high, like the confident Queen she always was. As she moved further away, an ache consumed my heart, and tears welled up in my eyes. I felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest with each step she took, and I struggled to hold back the flood of emotions. Watching her disappear from my sight, I couldn't help but feel all alone, longing for what could have been.

__________________________

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