Inarah's POV,
"Happy Birthday Babe!" I ran to her giving her a bone crushing hug and we danced around hugging eachother like that.

"Aw... thankyou babe!"

"You look gorgeous Heenu! Those curves are killer bae." I said swooning over her silver grey dress.

"And look at you golden princess." She  winked.

We giggled.

Like every year, following our personal tradition, I got her a bff present. This time, a gorgeous pair of Harry Winston earrings. The most expensive diamond jewelry brand in the world. 

"Aw, babe! This is just amazing!" She gave me another tight hug, her emotions running high.

The whole place was buzzing with people, mingling and showering her with birthday wishes. And wouldn't you know it, some of our old ex-classmates were in the mix too – those "special" ones.

"Well, well, Inarah. Look who's all married up now," they snickered, clearly amused. "We all thought you'd be taking charge at the Qureshi Group, but here you are, playing the role of a trophy wife for your big-shot CEO hubby. And didn't you have a different groom lined up at first? How'd you manage that last-minute switch?" They exchanged giggles, clearly reveling in their little jabs.

My jaw clenched involuntarily.

"Oh, are we feeling a bit green-eyed that after turning down practically every eligible, rich, and handsome bachelor in the country, she's landed herself the most dashing and wealthy CEO in all of Asia? I mean, the guy's a total heartthrob. And then there's you..." Heena scanned them up and down with an exaggerated, sarcastic look.
"...well, enjoy your cocktails while you settle for whatever's left after my bae's had his pickings." She smirked, a mock of pity in her eyes.

Their faces flushed crimson, a mix of anger and embarrassment – classic reaction, right?

"And let's not forget, someone with my level of elegance and beauty deserves a match that's equally outstanding. That's my Zayaan. But, alas, I suppose these matters are way too intricate for you to wrap your heads around. It's not like you can handle such high-level complexities with your, shall we say, limited capabilities. Oh, and instead of blowing your cash on nips and tucks, ever thought about maybe channeling those brain cells into something worthwhile? Like, oh I don't know, maybe reading a newspaper or trying out some education? Just a thought – after all, those surgical enhancements have an expiration date. Imagine if your surgically enhanced noses decide to jump ship one day, all thanks to the green monster of envy, scaring away your potential loaded husbands."

Heena and I gasped dramatically in mock horror, and she chimed in, "Such a tragedy, really..." She shook her head in mock sympathy, eyes brimming with mischief.

Unable to bear the heat, those girls made a swift exit, faces redder than a tomato. And guess what? We couldn't help but burst into a fit of laughter, the satisfaction of a well-timed comeback filling the air.

****
Heena's eyes continued to scan the crowd, even as we stood together to cut the cake.

"I guess he's not going to make it. Sorry, babe. I really tried," I whispered apologetically.

"It's okay, babe. I understand," she replied, squeezing my hand as she took hold of the cake knife.

****
After we had cut the cake, Heena stepped forward and made an announcement. Soon, more than twenty street children entered the venue, dressed in new and adorable clothes, along with brand-new shoes.

"On my birthday, I wanted to do something meaningful," she declared, her voice carrying across the room. "It's not fair that only wealthy folks like us get to experience happiness. There are so many others who deserve the same joy, but sadly, they're denied those simple pleasures because we sometimes get too wrapped up in our own selfish desires, focusing solely on ourselves and neglecting those less fortunate. It's time for us to pause our own concerns and look back at those who have been left behind."

She turned her gaze towards the children, a warm smile gracing her face. "It's about doing something meaningful, something that fills our hearts with peace when we witness the genuine happiness on their faces."

Heena's eyes brimmed with sincerity as she spoke. "We can be their superheroes, making them feel just as special."

At her signal, the servants and bodyguards entered the room, carrying numerous gift boxes for the children. The little angels' faces lit up with pure delight as they received their presents.

Heena pulled me along with her to meet the children and hand out their gifts. I can't express how incredibly joyful those kids were. It was undeniably a day of significance for them.

I felt an overwhelming sense of pride for Heena, witnessing her thoughtful and compassionate gesture.

Heena's POV,
Stepping away from the chaotic party, I found solace in the serenity of the lawn. My heart felt a rare sense of contentment today, a feeling I hadn't savored in a while. It's funny how I finally get why Inarah is so drawn to spending time with those slum kids and being a part of charitable causes. The fulfillment that comes from giving back is truly something else.

But even in this moment, I couldn't help but wish he was here to witness this.

"So, Heena Khan isn't just another self-absorbed rich kid, huh?" The voice from behind startled me, and I practically jumped out of my skin. I gulped, masking my surprise with a dash of sternness.

"Who's there?" I demanded, my tone firm, though my composure might not have been as convincing.

And walked into the light the tall, handsome, chocolate eyed.... perverted freak. I mean Asad.

I released a breath I didn't even know I was holding, my hand involuntarily pressed against my chest. Thank god, it's not some serial killer in disguise. Or is he?

"Chill, doll. It's just me," he quipped, a mix of amusement and familiarity in his tone.

Oddly enough, in that split second, seeing him brought a strange sort of relief. Go figure.

"So, you decided to show up?" I raised an eyebrow, my arms folding defensively across my chest.

He leaned casually against a tree, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I've been lurking around all along, sweetheart. You were just too preoccupied to notice."

A smirk danced across my lips as I rolled my eyes playfully. "Slick, aren't you?"

He chuckled. "Hey, I am what I am. And let's face it, no girl has been able to resist my charm yet."

Leaning in closer, his voice turned almost conspiratorial, "So what's your secret? What makes you so immune to my undeniable magnetism?"

I huffed, pushing him back with a single finger jabbed at his chest. "Maybe your lousy self gloating is a bit of a turn-off."

"Ouch," he feigned a wounded expression, complete with a hand over his heart.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes again.

His grin widened, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Hey, at least I'm persistent. You gotta give me that."

I crossed my arms, meeting his gaze with an arch of my eyebrow. "Persistent, huh? More like shameless."

He laughed heartily, a sound that oddly skipped my heart.
"Guilty as charged."

"So, you gonna keep lurking around, or do you have a reason for popping up in the shadows like a movie villain?"

He strolled closer, his gaze roaming over me with unabashed appreciation. I shot him a glare, unimpressed by his audacity.

"You know," he drawled, "you're even sexier when you're ticked off."

I couldn't help but scoff. "Wow, such an original compliment."

He raised an eyebrow, the smirk refusing to budge. "Come on, you're showing me that attitude now? Funny how just a while ago, you were practically on a hunt for me, making sure I got my precious invitation to this soirée."

Caught off guard, I sputtered, "I... I wasn't exactly hunting you down, okay? I was just... checking if you got the invite."

"Right, right," he said with mock seriousness. "Because I heard you were almost begging Inarah to make sure I graced your party with my presence."

Heat crept up my cheeks, and I scowled, trying to mask my embarrassment. "I wasn't begging. I was just... suggesting. Strongly."

He laughed, a low, almost sensual sound that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. "Well, well, the great Heena Khan showing a bit of desperation. Now that's something."

I narrowed my eyes at him, my annoyance battling with an inexplicable thrill that his presence always seemed to bring. "Don't get too comfortable. I can still have security escort you out, you know. No place for perverts here."

He let out an exaggerated sigh, feigning disappointment. "Ah, you wound me, Heena. And here I thought we were making progress in our friendship."

"Friendship?" I snorted. "You've got a wild imagination."

His grin was infuriatingly charming. "Fine, fine. Friends with benefits then."

I let out an exasperated chuckle, shaking my head. "You're impossible."

"That's part of my charm."

As he circled me, a cool confidence radiated from him that was hard to ignore. I shot him a warning glare as he boldly eyed me up and down.

"I'll say this again, you are hotter when your mad. I think I found a new hobby." He winked.

My eyes narrowed further, but the corners of my lips twitched despite my efforts to stay stern. "Flattery won't get you very far."

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Doesn't hurt to try, does it?"

I made a face. What did my idiot bae till this knucklehead?! She's dead!
"You're sick! You need a psychiatrist to fix your delusions Mr."

He chuckled and got closer to my ear freezing me.
Ugh! What does he do to me?!
"So fiesty... I love that."

I pushed him hard but he stood like a mountain and instead of him I staggered back and closed my eyes preparing to land on my butt, however, my frontal body slammed on a rock instead. I opened my eyes only to meet his chocolate ones.

"Careful there doll or else you'll really fall for me." He whispered.

My gaze narrowed at him, my hand inadvertently resting on his chest. His body felt solid, like a literal rock beneath my touch. Almost without my conscious consent, my hand began to slide downward, my fingers grazing over his firm torso through the thin fabric of his shirt. Good Lord, he had abs – four, six, maybe eight? I gasped inwardly, momentarily questioning if he was even human.

His eyes widened briefly, pupils dilating and lips parting ever so slightly.

"You can go lower," she purred in a husky voice, a teasing smirk playing on her lips.

My eyes widened in realization, and a deep blush crept up my face. What the hell was I doing? I quickly tried to pull away from him, but his grip tightened around me. My chest collided with his just below his sternum, his gaze locked onto mine.

"Let go of me!" I demanded sharply, attempting to push him away, but he held firm. One hand gripped my wrist, while the other rested on the exposed skin of my lower back. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down my spine, and panic bubbled up within me.

This was beyond embarrassing.

His breath ghosted over my ear, his voice a low murmur that resonated through me. "Your eyes... such a mesmerizing smoky grey. You're like a feisty wild cat, and that fire in you is irresistible. Your beauty demands my attention, and your smile... it does something strange to my heart. I can't stop thinking about you, missing you. And when you walked toward me in that dress..." He hissed softly, his words weaving an intricate spell.
"Absolutely scorching."

My heart raced uncontrollably, his proximity becoming an intoxicating whirlwind. "Why can't I tear my eyes away from you? Why does the thought of you with another man drive me crazy? Why can't I resist touching you?" His voice dropped to a whisper, his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that left me breathless. "Why can't I look away from your eyes, Heena? Why does your name hold such significance for me?"

My breath hitched in my throat, and I struggled to process the overwhelming onslaught of emotions. What was happening to me? Why was I finding it so hard to push away from this... this dirty scoundrel?

A mix of jealousy and disbelief propelled my next words. "How many other girls have you fed these lines to?"

He met my gaze squarely, and his response held an unexpected earnestness. "Something like this... only to you."

There was no hint of a smirk on his face; instead, his expression was marked by an almost desperate intensity that sent a shockwave through me. What was I feeling? I tried to remind myself of what he was – a criminal, a gangster. I should despise him, be repulsed by his very presence.

But his breath was intoxicating, and those eyes... dear Lord.

I clenched my teeth, battling to regain my composure. I saw the storm of emotions in his eyes, a turmoil that mirrored my own inner chaos.

He's a gangster, Heena Junaid Khan. You despise gangsters. They hurt people. They kill people. Snap out of it, girl!

I bit my lip, fighting to steady my breathing, to regain some semblance of control. And then I heard it – a low, almost guttural groan from him. A shiver ran down my spine as he leaned in closer, dangerously close to my lips. I felt a magnetic pull, a dangerous allure that almost tempted me to surrender.

Almost.

Summoning every ounce of strength, I managed to catch him off-guard and wrenched my hand from his grasp.

A sharp slap echoed through the air, the sound of my palm meeting his cheek. I stumbled back, my heart racing as I gaped at my own actions. I had slapped a thug who had threatened me with a gun before, but this was different. Fear and anxiety gripped me, churning my insides.

His face was turned away, his hand cupping his jaw as he absorbed the impact. But he was... laughing?

"Well, well, well, doll. You've got quite the strength, my wild cat," he grinned, a mix of amusement and genuine surprise in his eyes.

My face was aflame, both from embarrassment and an unexplainable cocktail of emotions. "Leave. Now. Before I call security," I managed to say, my tone as stern as I could muster.

With a nonchalant shrug, he let out a sigh and scanned the surroundings. "You should head back inside before your bestie starts searching for you," he suggested, gesturing toward Inarah, who was clearly on the lookout for me.

I turned my head, about to respond, when he suddenly kissed my cheek.

I froze, shock coursing through me as his lips lingered on my skin for a heartbeat longer than they should have.

He pulled away, a sly smirk on his lips. "Happy birthday, Doll."

And then he disappeared into the shadows, leaving me standing there, heart pounding, cheeks burning, and utterly perplexed by the whirlwind of emotions that had just swept over me.

"You fucking perverted bastard!" I yelled.

I frantically wiped my precious cheek. Ugh! I swear, if I see that scumbag again....

I'll kill him!
****

Inarah's POV,
I plopped onto the sofa, annoyed. Zayaan's return after a month was supposed to be exciting, but his delayed flight killed my enthusiasm. Couldn't they have used the other private jet? Next time, I'll go with him.

The clock ticked sluggishly, his BMW nowhere in sight. The late hour and an empty stomach added to my irritation. Waiting like this was unbearable; it's a routine I'm struggling to get used to.

My impatience mounted, but eventually, exhaustion took over. I dozed off on the sofa, worn out from the anticipation.
****

Zayaan's POV,
I nearly leaped out of the car, my eagerness palpable. Eighteen days, thirteen hours, and twenty-four minutes – that's how long I'd been separated from my Jaan. My eyes yearned to catch a glimpse of her, my ears thirsted for the sound of her sweet voice uttering "my love," and my arms longed to hold her close. My packed schedule and endless meetings had kept me from even calling her during that time.

Is she waiting for me?

Is she dressed up for me?

Did she miss me?

How will she react when she sees me?

Would she be mad that I'm late?

Or would she run to me and embrace me along with a sweet kiss?

Her dimple smile, her honey eyes, her melodious voice....my Inarah, my Jaan. Where are you?!

I struggled to maintain a stern expression, but my smile was stubbornly persistent.

Although slightly disappointed not to find her at the door, my heart sank further upon entering the house and encountering an eerie silence.

Where's my wife?

I rushed inside, anxiety gripping me as I scanned the room. My heart pounded with each passing moment. Finally, my eyes landed on her peacefully slumbering on the couch, clad in a black saree. Relief surged through me. Did she truly leave herself so vulnerable in my absence?

Oh, this girl!

Ah, my Jaan, as stunning and captivating as ever. In her sleep, she seemed even more innocent and endearing. The ache of missing her overwhelmed me.

Kneeling beside her, I watched her silently, captivated by her presence. Lavender, my favorite scent, wafted from her. With gentle fingers, I brushed her hair away from her face. Her lips were slightly parted as she breathed softly.

Unable to resist, I lowered my face to tenderly brush my lips against hers.

But then, her eyes fluttered open, and I froze.

"Zayaan?" she called, her sleepy voice breaking the spell.

Embarrassment flooded over me, and I hastily stood up, avoiding her gaze, though my heart threatened to burst from my chest.

She sat up, rubbing her eyes before her expression turned to shock. "Zayaan!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me. I stumbled back, attempting to steady us both. How I'd missed this!

"Ah, my love, my Jaan, my darling hubby – you're finally back. I missed you so, so much..." Her kisses landed on both my cheeks in quick succession.

I was utterly flustered, my heart racing at her affectionate words.

Clearing my throat, I scolded, "Why were you sleeping here? It's past 1am."

She pouted, clinging to me, her chin resting on my chest. Adorable, but I needed to keep my composure. "I was waiting for you. I didn't even have dinner," she whined.

My desire to kiss her senseless was an inferno, and I fought to keep my restraint intact.

Changing the subject, she smirked and wiggled her eyebrows. "By the way, what were you doing while I was asleep?"

I blinked, my mind racing for a response. "I was... checking to make sure you were still alive," I offered nonchalantly.

With a bit too much enthusiasm, she punched my stomach, making me wince. "You meanie. One day, I might actually die and leave you forever. Then you'll see."

Her words sent a pang through my heart, and before I could stop myself, I pulled her into a tight embrace. "Don't even dare joke about something like that! Understood?" My growl startled her, and she flinched.

"Hey, I'm sorry, okay? Don't shout... you're scaring me, my love." She soothed me with gentle strokes along my back.

Taking a shaky breath, I reluctantly released her, my emotions still tangled.

"Let's eat. I'm starving," I declared, my voice a bit too abrupt.

****
Inarah's POV,
After dinner, we retired to the room. Emerging from the washroom after changing, I found him already asleep. The journey must have taken a toll – he was always one to work tirelessly. Dad must've pushed him beyond limits.

As I lay beside him, observing his peaceful slumber, I considered myself lucky to witness my remarkably handsome husband in such an innocent state. His busy schedule rarely allowed for these moments. Seizing the opportunity, I planted a soft kiss on his forehead.

Wait, he felt hot. I mean, he's always smoking hot, but his body temperature was unusually high. A touch to his forehead and neck confirmed my suspicion – he had a fever!

Panic surged within me as he started shivering. "Zayaan... hubby, wake up. Are you okay?"

His response was a mere moan. I hurriedly turned off the AC, then went to the wardrobe to find some first aid supplies. Paracetamol should be in there.

To be honest, fear gripped me. This wasn't a sight I'd seen before. Zayaan falling ill was unfamiliar territory. But he's human, just like everyone else. I had to calm down and think rationally. It's just a fever, nothing more.

"Zayaan... come on, sit up," I urged, gently pulling his arm to help him into a sitting position. He was heavier than I expected. Cradling the back of his head with my hands, I propped him up, adjusting the pillow for support. Retrieving the medicine and water, I made sure to wrap a duvet around him.

"Zayaan..." I softly patted his cheek to rouse him. Why were tears welling up? It's just a fever.

He moaned, his eyes fluttering open slightly. Swallowing my emotions, I brought the tablet to his lips, followed by a sip of water.

Thank goodness!

I began wiping away the sweat from his forehead and neck.

"Inarah..."

"Yeah, I'm here. You'll be fine," I reassured him, my voice breaking. Ugh, why am I so emotional? No wonder he finds it hard to love me. I should've realized sooner. He did seem tired and weak when he arrived, but my own excitement had blinded me.

"Don't... cry..." he managed, his eyes struggling to stay open as shivers wracked his body.

I couldn't help but cry even harder. Why am I so helpless? I claim to love him, yet I can't even take care of my own husband. I can't even cook a proper meal for him. Why am I failing as a wife? Why...

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted as he suddenly leaned on me, his entire weight toppling us both onto the bed. He ended up on top of me. His ebony heated gaze meeting my shocked ones.

I gave in not caring about the consequences.

Que sera sera.

He was weak but the way he was kissing me didn't feel like it. It was searing and dominating and I had no complaints. His body weight crushing me.

By the time he left my lips, I was panting and my lips felt soo swollen.

He lifted his head up and our eyes met, his eyes more intoxicating, both of us breathless and our hearts out of control.

My hands fell on either sides of me as I completely surrendered to my Love.

"Inarah... I..." He carassed my face with his other hand as I was lost under his gaze.

"Yes my love..." I breathed desperately anticipating his next words.

He gave me a soft kiss again.
"Soo much..." He mumbled on my lips.

"Hm?" My heart raced even more erratically.

"I...."

Suddenly he slumped on my body again making me cough.

"Zayaan?" I whispered crushed under his weight and hot body. He wasn't moving but his hot breath fanned over my clevage.

I shook him...still no response.

He fell asleep?!

I sank my head and arms back on the bed giving up. This douche bag of a husband of mine...
He always finds a chance to turn me on so much....only to burst...no, murder my bubble brutally!

I HATE HIM!!!

_____________________________________