"Alright, tell him we'll come in right now," he said, his voice tight, glancing down at Jadwa whose eyes screamed confusion. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic counterpoint to the casualness of Imran's tone.

He hung up the phone and gave her a small, strained smile. "Baba is asking for us," he explained, and Jadwa almost choked on the sudden dryness in her throat. Her palms grew slick with sweat even though a part of her reassured her that Imran was practically family. Still, a knot of apprehension twisted in her gut.

She nodded, doing everything she can to mirror Imran's calmness and followed him inside, her steps echoing on the cool marble floor. They met her father coming down the stairs. Since the day he confronted them with her aunt and uncle, he hadn't spared her a glance after a curt acknowledgement of her greetings. Today, however, his eyes held a glint of something unreadable.

She quickly bent down and greeted him. "Assalamu alaykum, Baba."

"Wa alaikum assalam Jadu how are you?," he responded with a smile Jadwa couldn't miss, the warmth reaching his crinkled eyes. Relief washed over her, momentarily easing the tension in her shoulders.

"MashaAllah, go upstairs, your sisters are waiting for you," he ordered, his voice gentle. Jadwa simply obeyed, As she climbed, she couldn't help but steal a glance back. Imran was shaking her father's hand, his posture respectful but stiff. A part of her assumed it was about business and excitedly went to meet Anaya and Zara.

Meanwhile, Imran greeted her father, his grip firm but respectful. Baba insisted he sit on the chair, but Imran politely declined, settling on the carpet opposite him.

A part of Imran knew why her father had called him, but he wasn't anxious. He intended to address it anyway. All he cared about was not giving the wrong impression of pursuing a young girl with no good intentions. Surprisingly, her father wasn't upset. Baba didn't bring up anything about it. Instead, they spoke mainly about business, Imran's voice a low murmur as he discussed the state of affairs in the country for over thirty minutes. The scent of strong Turkish coffee filled the air, a familiar aroma from his childhood visits.

Baba has been his father's childhood friend, and best friend until he passed away. After his father's death, their families remained close until they moved out of the country. Ahmad's father, whom he called Uncle Hafiz, was one of the few who checked up on him and taught him how to handle his inheritance and major life problems. The memory sparked a warmth in his chest, a flicker of gratitude for the man who became a father figure.

Of course, it was all a filler conversation before Baba dropped the real question.

"I heard you had an interest in my daughter, Jadwa," Baba said, making Imran's face turn serious. His brow furrowed slightly, a crease appearing between his eyes. "Ahmad told me when I called and asked him about you two just now."

Imran kept silent, unsure of how to respond. The room suddenly felt stuffy, the air thick with unspoken words.

"Is that correct?" Baba asked again, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity.

"Yes, Uncle Hafiz," Imran replied simply, his voice a low rumble.

"MashaAllah, that's great. But I do not like all these relationships without purpose. It's a total waste of time, and I know you as a man of honor, Muhammad," he said with a serious look on his face, his kind eyes hardening slightly.

"You're right, and I apologize. My intention was never to do that. I spoke to Ahmad, and I only approached her with his permission. I was waiting for Jadwa's approval before coming to you," Muhammad explained honestly, his voice sincere.

Baba nodded, impressed with the man in front of him, his confidence, and honesty. He had called Ahmad the moment he saw them, and Ahmad told him everything, with a smile playing on his lips he spoke again.

"She didn't seem to disapprove of you from what I saw," a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Imran's mind raced with different thoughts but he remained silent, waiting for Baba to continue.

Baba sighed before he spoke, the sound heavy with a mix of emotions. "Are you ready to settle down?"

"Yes, I am," Imran said, avoiding her father's gaze out of respect.

"Idan ka shirya, me na bata lokaci malam Muhammad? (If you are ready, what's the point of wasting time, Muhammad?)" Baba chuckled, returning to his playful self, the tension dissipating from the room.

Imran chuckled too, a genuine sound that surprised even himself. "Hakane, I apologize, Uncle Hafiz (you are right)," he responded, relief washing over him.

"I'll look forward to seeing your side of the family for introductions. Or do you need more time for yourself or with her before we proceed?" Baba asked, his tone both understanding and firm.

"Not on my side, but I am not sure about Jadwa—" Imran started, but Baba cut him off, getting up with a sprightly spring in his step despite his age.

"I will speak to her and ask for her consent. Ahmad will let you know the decision we come to," Baba said, tapping Imran's back with a strength that spoke of his approval.

Imran stood as well, shaking Baba's hand respectfully. "Thank you, Uncle Hafiz."

He stood there for a moment. He wasn't one to be taken off guard, but he wasn't expecting to be asked to send his elders this soon. However, he wholeheartedly accepted the situation and sat back down on the sofa.

He wanted to be excited and feel the happiness beneath his heart, but all that occupied his mind was Jadwa. He had just confessed his feelings, and she hadn't even taken time to think about him. He knew for sure Jadwa couldn't possibly have any deep feelings for him as he did for her, and the last thing he wanted was to put any external pressures on her.

He was broken out of his thoughts by his sister's laughter coming from the hallway, but the sound his ears focused on was Jadwa's genuine and uncontrollable laughter at something Zarah said. He didn't move or turn in their direction instead, he closed his eyes for a moment to clear his mind.

He turned his head to the side all the girls were standing by the door, waiting for him. "Ready to go?" he asked Anaya, who nodded, the laughter finally subsiding after he spoke.

Jadwa stared at him, but he wasn't looking at her this time. "Did you have fun?" he asked Zarah, his voice a neutral tone.

"We really did! Thank you so much, Ya Imran," she responded with a big grin on her face, hugging Anaya.

"You are welcome," he said before walking out of the house, the weight of his unspoken feelings a heavy burden on his chest.

Jadwa gave Anaya a tight hug, burying her face in her shoulder. "We should spend the whole day together next time, without this girl, of course," she said, and Anaya laughed, high-fiving her.

"I'll plan something for just the both of us," she said as they walked out of the house.

Jadwa's eyes darted towards Muhammad Imran, who was now leaning on his car, a thoughtful expression etched on his face. Their eyes met, and she gave him a small, polite smile. His hand went through his beard as he stared at her intensely before he returned the smile with a nod, something unreadable in his eyes.

"Goodnight," they waved at Anaya, who got in the car.

Zarah waved Imran goodbye, and Jadwa stood there with a little smile on her face, her heart pounding against her ribs. Avoiding looking in his direction any longer, she turned to Zara as he drove out of the of the house.

Zara's eyebrows danced impishly, their dark arches bobbing up and down. Jadwa knew exactly what that meant - another round of teasing about Ya Imran. But Jadwa wasn't ready for her sister's playful jabs.  She ran into the house, Zara did too, hot on her heels, their laughter echoing through the hallway, Jadwa made a beeline for Hannan's room. Bursting through the door, she practically tripped over Zara tangled at her ankles.

Hannan, sprawled on the bed, a phone pressed to her ear and a sheepish smile on her face, whipped around, the smile replaced by a glare.  "Ugh, what's going on now?" she sighed, cutting the call with a decisive click.

Jadwa, chest heaving from the chase, pointed an accusing finger at Zara. "Tell her to leave me alone!"

Hannan's gaze flicked between them, her dark eyes narrowed. The playful glint in Zara's eyes vanished under Hannan's scrutiny.  A heavy silence settled in the room, punctuated only by Zara's nervous cough.

"Seriously? When will you two grow up?"  Hannan's voice was laced with exasperation.

Zara puffed up her cheeks. "It's her fault! She started it!" she declared.

Jadwa scoffed.  "No way! You're the one who keeps teasing me!"

Before Hannan could launch a pillow at them, a familiar glint of mischief appeared in Zara's eyes as she bolted from the room, leaving Jadwa to take the hit.

Jadwa plastered on her most innocent expression, complete with wide, puppy-dog eyes and a pouty lower lip. "Me? But Hannan, it wasn't me!"

Hannan snorted, the sound rumbling in her chest. "Don't even try that with me, Jadu. Come, sit," she patted the space beside her.

Jadwa flopped down on the bed, her legs swinging listlessly while Hannan was oiling her hair that is plaited into tiny little braids.

"Your hair looks amazing," Jadwa said, momentarily distracted. "Maybe I should get mine done too."

Hannan's smile was genuine. "You should. A change is good sometimes."

Jadwa hummed in agreement, her gaze drifting to the window. A gentle breeze ruffled the flimsy curtains.

"Baba was looking for you," Hannan said, her voice laced with concern. "I heard you went out with Ya Imran."

Jadwa's stomach lurched. "He was, but it's Ya Imran, so..." she trailed off, shrugging nonchalantly.  "He didn't say anything after, though."

"Uh-huh,"  Hannan said, her tone skeptical.

Silence stretched between them, broken only by the rhythmic hum Hannan started to sing.

"Actually, Hannan," Jadwa blurted out, the need to confide overwhelming, "what do you think about Ya Imran?"

Hannan chuckled, capping the oil bottle with a satisfying click. "You finally decided to tell me what's going on, huh?"

Jadwa's cheeks burned. "There's nothing going on!" she protested, but her voice lacked conviction.

Hannan finished oiling the tips of hair, expertly twirling the ends into perfect spirals.  "So why are you asking?" she questioned, her dark eyes searching Jadwa's face.

Jadwa fidgeted, her fingers twisting the hem of her shirt. "Well, when we went for the drive, he kind of...made it clear that he likes me," she mumbled, finally meeting Hannan's gaze.

"He does," Hannan confirmed simply. "He really, really does."

A shiver danced down Jadwa's spine. Everyone knew. "But here is the thing, He doesn't want a relationship, he...he...wants to get married..." She stammered. " The whole idea just freaks me out," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

Hannan's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, really? He said that?"

Jadwa nodded, a knot forming in her stomach. "Yeah, I swear. Like, there's no dating...?  At least let's date for a while first!"

Hannan leaned back, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow.  "Hmm, that's definitely a different approach.  Maybe a good thing, though.  No games, no drama, just straight to the point."

Jadwa chewed on her lower lip, her brows furrowed.  "But is it the right point?  I mean, I've had a feeling he liked me for a while,  because, well, he doesn't exactly try to hide it. I don't want to skip the fun parts."

Hannan chuckled softly.  "Maybe you're just used to the boys who play around before they commit.  This is actually how mature relationships are supposed to work, Jadu.  Two people who know what they want and decide to go for it."

Jadwa unwrapped a piece of candy from a hidden stash in her pocket, the crinkling sound echoing in the quiet room.

"But from what everyone says, Ya Ahmad, Baba, Ameerah," Hannan continued, "he takes good care of his family and is doing a great job running the businesses."

Jadwa sat up straighter, a new thought striking her.  She held out the candy wrapper to Hannan.  "Wait, is he married?"  The thought of a wife and kids sent a jolt of panic through her.

Hannan burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the room.  "No, silly!  His parents passed away when they were young, remember?  He's the oldest, so he takes care of his siblings."

Relief washed over Jadwa, so intense it almost felt like dizziness.  "Oh, right.  I was so young, but I remember Baba telling us about the accident."

"May Allah have mercy on them," Hannan murmured, a somber note creeping into her voice.

Jadwa echoed her sister's prayer, a weight lifting from her chest.  "So, do you think I should give him a chance?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Hannan swung a braid over her shoulder, her expression thoughtful.  "Look, Jadu, I can't tell you what to do.  But from what I know, he seems like a good guy.  Kind, responsible, handsome, successful.  The kind of man most girls would dream of."

Jadwa sighed, a million thoughts swirling in her head.  "He is a great guy, I can see that.  I like his looks, his personality, his quiet strength.  But..."

"But?" Hannan prompted gently.

Jadwa sighed. "I mean there's definitely something for sure, but I feel like I can't be comfortable with him, he's too..." she tried to look for a word before giving up "he's just him and it's like we can't connect on that level, you know? And honestly, I'm still..." her voice dropped to a whisper, "still healing from everything with Abdul."

"I understand. It wouldn't be normal for you to even say you are over it completely It takes time to heal," Hannan agreed. "Give him a chance, Jadu. He's a really great guy," Hannan advised.

"I plan on it, but not now," Jadwa chuckled. "As you know, Baba is trying to marry me off," she laughed at her situation. "I am trying to see how I'll dodge it," she snuggled into Hannan's duvet.

"You are insane, but good luck," Hannan said. "You have a proper suitor. Tell Baba you have someone, then you can drag it as much as you want," Hannan reasoned, making Jadwa sit back down.

"So if I say I'm with Ya Imran now and we plan on getting married, will Baba let me breathe? Because I really don't see myself getting married now," Jadwa said.

"You can, at your own risk, but don't use a sincere man for your games if you know you are not marrying him," Hannan scolded.

"I know, I can't even dare do that" She dragged before she shrugged, the candy wrapper forgotten in her lap. "for now, I definitely don't know what I want"

"Then take your time and think through it," Hannan said firmly.  "But Jadu," her voice softened, "he does seem like a good guy.  Maybe give him a chance, get to know him a little better.  See where things go.  But on your terms, okay?"

Jadwa considered this for a moment.  "Yeah, okay. Maybe a chance, but no promises," she agreed, a playful glint returning to her eyes.

They diverted the conversation to Hannan's love life which was practically a dream for Jadwa.
Jadwa didn't know when sleep came over her, she woke up and found herself on hannan's bed while hannan just came out from the bathroom and now doing her skin care.

Before she could even wake up completely and gather her thoughts, the bedroom door creaked open and Ammi barged in, her hurried steps echoing on the wooden floor.

"Your father is calling you," she announced.

"Ammi, why?" Jadwa stammered, her eyes shutting in alarm.

"I don't know," Ammi shrugged, her brows furrowed.

"Good luck," Hannan offered. A small, strained laugh escaping her lips. Jadwa could only manage a tight nod in response.

"Did I know when you went out with your boyfriend?" Ammi questioned, hands on her hips, her gaze flickering over Jadwa accusingly.

"He is not my boyfriend!" Jadwa groaned, her cheeks burning with a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment.

"Explain that to your father then. He saw you doing all your love outside. It's not my business," she muttered, glaring pointedly at Jadwa once more. "Hurry up," she barked, slamming the door shut behind her with a bang.

Hannan couldn't help but let out a stifled chuckle. "Jadu, are you sure someone didn't curse you?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.

"I know, right?" Jadwa sighed, the sound heavy with exasperation.

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