"No one can be given a blessing better and greater than patience." ~Prophet Muhammad s.a.w {Ref-Sahih Al Bukhari}.

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Alhaan's p.o.v.

Inaraah's house:

"Alhaan sir," she whispered but still I could make it out. And for the first time I smiled genuinely looking at her. Maybe it sounds cliche but I felt my heart skipping it's beat. Today I understood that Inaraah is the most important and inseparable part of me. And if these are the signs of love, then possibly I am in love with Miss Hijabi whose simplicity and modesty captured my heart.

"Assalamualaikum." Inaraah and the other two ladies who I suppose are her Bhabis greeted everyone. We all replied to their greeting. Inaraah settled on the sofa with her bhabi's on either side.

"She is Samiha, Fahad's wife and she is Afreen, Shaad's wife. Fahad Bhai's mom introduced them. Inaraah was holding Shaad Bhai's wife hand from the time she entered the room. I was observing her who was looking scared and her hold on her Bhabi's hand tightened.

"Why are you so surprised Inaraah? You weren't expecting us here?" Ghazala Bhabi asked.

She looked up at Bhabi and shook her head as no. She didn't knew about us. That means she wasn't aware about my proposal. Now I was scared. All the 'What if' again circled my senses.

'What if she rejects?'

The mere thought of getting rejected was awful. I don't know what future holds in for me but I want Inaraah to be a part of it.

"How come? You weren't informed about the proposal?" Azaan Bhai asked her

She again shook her head as no. Argh!! Why isn't she speaking? I want to hear her and she is sitting their like a statue.

"Actually we wanted to surprise Inaraah. So we didn't tell her about your family." Ziyaad Bhai said.

Guess what??? She is totally surprised or should I say shocked.

"Shaad bhaiya shall we start." Ziyaad Bhai asked eyeing me.

All the nervousness which vanished seeing Inaraah, returned with full force. Now I was scared, really scared. I saw Fahad Bhai trying to hide his smile but failing miserably.

"So Alhaan you want to marry our sister?" Shaad Bhai asked

What sort of question is that? Isn't it why we are here? I was confused but nevertheless gave a nod. Shaad Bhai looked at his brothers who were controlling themselves from laughing.

"Even after knowing she is our sister, you want to marry her?" He questioned again.

I looked at him who was sounding like a mafia. Fahad Bhai and Ziyaad Bhai broke into fits of laughter. I looked at my brothers who were laughing as well. I turned towards Inaraah who was trying her best not to laugh.

'Why it has to be always me?'

But I was still happy since Inaraah wasn't scared anymore. Rather she was enjoying at my cost.

"Bhaiya are we mafia?" Ziyaad Bhai asked

'I was thinking the same Bhai.'

"Okay now jokes apart. Alhaan, will you keep her happy always?" Shaad Bhai asked in a serious tone.

I smiled at him and said, "In sha Allah."

"You should never demand anything from her." He said.

I nodded my head not knowing what to say.

"And you should eat her food without complaining even if it's half cooked or fully burnt." He said eyeing Inaraah.

I turned to Inaraah who was glaring at him. Her smile was replaced with a frowning look. I wanted to laugh at that but controlled myself.

"Yeah but you can pray to Allah for yourself and your family's safety and good health after eating the food. We always do that whenever Inaraah cooks." Shaad Bhai spoke.

I couldn't hold back and started laughing. Don't know whether he was interviewing me or irritating his sister. Inaraah was looking at her brother as if he was her prey. I composed myself and tried to maintain a normal expression.

"And never ever argue with her. Because when Inaraah began to lose the argument, all she does is shout Baba and finish. No matter what, she will be the ultimate winner even when she is wrong." Ziyaad Bhai stated.

Everyone started laughing listening to them while Inaraah was busy giving murderous glares to her brothers. I must say she has an amazing family and annoying yet loving brothers.

She looked at her father with an innocent yet pleading look. Her eyes so beautiful and captivating. I looked away from her to control my emotions but it was difficult to avoid her.

"Okay that's enough for now." Inaraah's father spoke.

He signalled Fahad Bhai to which he nodded his head. He went near Inaraah and took her along with him to the nearby room. Ziyaad Bhai followed them.

Everyone was busy discussing about the proposal but I didn't pay any attention to them. I looked at the kids who were busy playing in the backyard. No tension no worries.

And if that wasn't enough Azaan Bhai along with Shaad Bhai moved towards the room. I was so curious to know what they were talking in there but I have to be patient. And to add up they were taking forever to come out. After what felt like eternity they finally came out and stood in front of us.

"So what did you decide Inaraah?" Inaraah's father asked.

She looked at her brothers as if requesting them to answer on her behalf. But instead of them, Azaan Bhai spoke

"Inaraah agreed for the proposal."

To say I was happy wouldn't do justice to my feelings. I was feeling over the moon or should I say on cloud nine. But my happiness was short lived because of the bomb Azaan Bhai dropped.

"But Inaraah has a condition." Azaan Bhai said.

All were looking at him hinting him to speak further. Upon hearing her condition for the engagement, I felt as if someone has stabbed me. I looked at her who was already looking at me but then she lowered her gaze.

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Inaraah's p.o.v

Inside the room:

I was sitting in the room staring or should I say glaring at my brothers. How can they hide such a big thing from me? I felt my stomach churned up whenever Alhaan sir looked at me. Argh!!! This is so awkward...

"Inu what is your answer?" Fahad Bhai asked.

How could he? I mean I am still unable to convince myself that Alhaan sir wants to marry me and here they are asking me to answer as if we are playing KBC.

"First tell me why did you all agree for this proposal?" I asked slightly annoyed.

"What do you mean by that Inu? The boy is a good Muslim and from a good religious family. Why would we deny such a good proposal?" Fahad Bhai said.

"Bhaiya he is my BOSS." I said emphasizing the word boss.

"So what Inu? Who said you can't marry your boss?"

"Please bhaiya. Do you even know what you are saying? How can I marry my boss?"

"And why can't you marry him?" He countered.

"Okay first tell me how did you all come up with this proposal?" I questioned him.

"Three days before I got a call from Azaan. He said he wants to meet Chacha(Inaraah's father) and me. I agreed and said him to meet at the restaurant nearby Chacha's workplace. Azaan came along with his father and elder brother. They asked your hand in marriage for Alhaan.

At first we were reluctant because of the status difference but they assured us. They are very good people Inu. And we didn't have any other reason to deny so we accepted the proposal." Fahad Bhai narrated the whole incident.

"From where did he get your number bhaiya?" I asked

"Oh common Inu. You are our little sister and we need to keep an eye on your whereabouts. Remember once I came to pick you up from your office. At that time I met him and exchanged number to assure your safety." Fahad Bhai said.

I rolled my eyes over their possessive-ness. It's kind of cute to know that they can go to any extent to protect me but keeping an eye on me. Seriously! these people need to grow up.

"Inu, Do you agree to this proposal or not?"

An impatient Ziyaad Bhai asked. I just glared at him and said

"Bhaiya he is my BOSS for crying out loud. How can you expect me to marry him? It feels weird to even think of it." I said as a matter of fact

Ziyaad Bhai was about to speak when a knock on the door interrupted him. Our gaze moved towards the door where Shaad Bhai stood along with Azaan Bhai. I composed myself and looked down not wanting to face Azaan Bhai.

'Ya Allah can this be more awkward?'

"Sorry to interrupt in between but I want to talk to Inaraah. Hope you won't mind." Azaan Bhai said

My heartbeat paced up hearing that. I don't want to face him and here he wants to talk to me. I want to hide somewhere.

"Inaraah I know this is really shocking and awkward for you but please don't be scared and look at me." Azaan Bhai said

'How does he know that I'm scared?'

'Am I so predictable?'

Not knowing what to say I just looked at him with a blank face. I have never in my dreams imagined this day where Azaan bhai will be talking to me regarding his brother's proposal. This is so embarrassing.

"Inaraah I know you have lots of doubts and questions but please hear me out first." Azaan Bhai said and I just gave a nod.

"From the time we met you, we always wanted to make you a part of our family. Everyone in my family were pleased with you. But we didn't want to force Alhaan. After all it's his life and he has the right to decide. Also you both didn't knew each other at that time. When Alhaan joined the office, I just hoped that he likes you. With passing days, Alhaan was changing. You know none can talk to Alhaan when he is angry. But that day you just didn't talk to him, you also made him realize his mistake. And not only that he even began to control his temper. We were glad to see changes in him and we knew it's because of you.

After your encounter at orphanage, Alhaan was restless. He was lost in his own world fighting with his inner self. But later he realized he likes you and wants to marry you. We were very happy with his decision since we wanted the same."

By the time he completed my embarrassment have broken all the barriers and reached it's peak. I just wanted to dig a big hole and bury myself. How can Alhaan sir just go and tell his parents that he likes me. Is he mad?

"Now the decision is yours. We won't force you to accept it but please don't bring our status in between your decision. We may be rich in peoples eye but in front of Allah we all are the same. So don't think him as your boss please." Azaan Bhai stated.

What should I do now? I can't even give an excuse of social status and difference. Why did Alhaan sir like me in the first place? What should I answer? I was thinking of a way out of this but I don't have a justifiable excuse. So I just gave a nod to handle this situation as of now. Yeah I accepted the proposal but for time being. I need time to think a way out of this. I looked at them who were so happy as if they have won Oscar award. Here I am confused and these people are beaming with joy.

"Thank you so much for accepting the proposal. Come on now everyone is waiting for us. Let's get you both engaged." Azaan Bhai chirp like a girl.

"Wait what? Engagement? Where did that come from?" I asked not believing his words.

"Actually Inu first we thought of a grand engagement ceremony. But then we rejected not wanting anything extravagant. We decided to keep a simple ceremony and then have a feast at orphanage and old age home so you both get lots of blessings for this new relation." Fahad Bhai said

Few minutes before I was confused but now I am mad at them. They have decided everything and inviting me in my own engagement. How cool is that? Now it was getting difficult to handle the situation with patience. I was thinking a way out of this proposal and they are all set to get me married. 'Ya Allah now what?'

"Why are you all in such a haste? I mean is it necessary to get engaged? It's too early bhaiya."I said hoping they will understand.

"What's wrong in getting engaged when you agreed for the proposal? It's just a small ceremony for making everything official." Fahad Bhai said.

Aaarrrggghhhhhhh!!!! I wanted to shout, yell and scold them but I was standing like a statue not knowing what to do.

"Inaraah what's wrong in getting engaged?"

Azaan Bhai asked me. Everything is wrong bhai. I am not the one for your brother. I want to explain you all but seems like luck isn't on my side. I don't even have a proper reason to deny the engagement. But something clicked my mind which I think would work for now.

"Okay fine. But I have a condition."I said eyeing four of them.

"Anything Inaraah. I guess that's the least we can do for you." Azaan bhai said not even bothering to know my condition.

Upon hearing the condition they all were shocked. Ziyaad bhai tried to protest but Azaan Bhai agreed to my condition. I sighed in relief and we all moved out towards the living room.

Living room:

As we entered the living room, everyone looked at us. I became conscious under their gaze, so I looked at the floor which seems to be more mesmerizing. When Azaan bhai said about my condition, don't know why I looked at Alhaan sir. He looked hurt and disappointed with my condition. I felt bad for doing so but I had no other option. He looked at me with so many emotions reflecting in his eyes. Unable to withstand his gaze, I looked down again.

"We don't have any problem with your condition Inaraah. We understand that it's all new for you." Faizan sir said.

I just gave him a tight lipped smile and again settled myself between my Bhabis. Alhaan sir's mom slipped a beautiful diamond and ruby studded gold ring on my left hand's ring finger. She also gave me a beautiful pearl bracelet with a bead having 'A' engraved on it. My heart thumped loudly seeing the bracelet.

Baba then presented Alhaan sir with a beautiful Audemars Piguet watch.

Well I'm aware of different watch brands. Thanks to my brothers.

I must say my brothers choice is really good. The watch is so stylish yet elegant.

Everyone then started congratulating each other. And stuffed my mouth with sweets. 'I hate sweets.'

Shaad Bhai handed a paper bag to Alhaan sir saying it's a welcome gift for him from my brothers. I was curious to see the gift, because I don't trust my brothers. Alhaan sir looked at me and I instantly looked away. Maybe he understood that I was curious to see the gift. He removed two boxes from the bag.

"Can I see them now?" Alhaan sir asked.

"Sure. Go ahead." Shaad Bhai replied.

Alhaan sir started unwrapping the gifts with utmost care and my curiosity was reaching peaks. I want to snatch it from him and unwrap it soon.

First box had a t-shirt with a caption, 'Take good care of our little sister.'

My lips twitched up into a big smile seeing that. I was overwhelmed with their gesture.

'My brothers are THE BEST.'

Alhaan sir then unwrapped other gift. There was a coffee mug in the box with a caption 'Now the headache is yours.'

The happiness which I felt before was replaced with anger. Am I really a headache for them? A minute before I said my brothers are the best. Well I take my words back.

'They are the most annoying heartless creatures on earth.'

First they commented on my cooking skills, now calling me a headache. How can they tease their only sister. I know even Inayaah di is our sister but she is married and doesn't stay here anymore. Even when she was here they never teased her as much they tease me. How I wish to kill them.

"Okay enough now. Let's have our lunch." Baba said.

Everyone moved to have lunch while I was sitting their killing my brothers with my looks. They came near me to talk but I ignored them and joined others. After lunch Rahman sir and his family left. No sooner they left I started fighting with my brothers. And that's how we spent the rest of the day fighting and teasing each other.

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Inaraah's room:

I came to my room after dinner and offered Isha'a prayer. Once done I moved to my usual spot and sat their gazing at the sky. Again today's events started playing in my mind. I looked at the ring which signifies that I belong to Alhaan sir. Even though we aren't married but this ring implies that I am Meant for him. I again looked at the sky thinking of my past, about the time where we promised to be together always.

"But what if one day I go away from you forever," I said to tease him.

"That day will never come. We will be together always," he said in a stern tone.

"How can you say that?" I questioned.

"Because I love you so much to ever let you go away from me." He said looking in my eyes.

The knock on the door brought me back to the reality. I wiped my tears which always find their way out whenever I think of him. He was wrong and I was right. Promises are only made to be broken.

I opened the door and saw my Bhabis smiling cheek to cheek looking at me. A mischievous smile to be more precise. They pushed me aside and entered the room.

"So Inu how does it feel to be engaged?" Samiha bhabi asked.

I gave them a bored look and settled on my ever so loving and comfy bed. Now they got a new topic to tease me.

"Inu are you having all those butterflies and tingly sensations in your stomach?" Afreen bhabi asked.

I feel like crying now. First only I am having difficulty in accepting this proposal and here these people are enjoying at my cost. I kept quite not wanting to answer any of their questions.

"Okay leave it. Now show us your poems which you have written for your hubby or should I say Alhaan." Samiha bhabi said with a teasing smile.

I knew they will be asking this. I shouldn't have told them about the poem's in the first place.

"Oh common bhabi. I told you before I will show it only to my better half." I said.

"Don't lie Inu. You said you will show us when the right time comes." Afreen bhabi retorted.

"Exactly. But now is not the right time. I am too tired and sleepy. So please spare me for now." I requested them.

"How mean Inu? You changed within few hours of your engagement. You forgot your bhabis so soon. Fine we are leaving. Good night." Afreen bhabi said in a oh so dramatic way.

"Please bhabs. I will show you some other day. I am seriously tired. Please never say I changed because I never will. It's just that I need time to accept these things." I replied

"I'm sorry Inu. I didn't mean to hurt you. I know you need time to adapt yourself to this new relation, but I just want to say that Alhaan is a great guy. And I mean it because no other guy in his place would have accepted your condition. His family is loving and caring. Just give him a chance to prove it." Afreen bhabi said.

I just nodded my head and they left leaving me in my own thoughts. She is right. I should at least give him a chance. I can't be judgemental and moreover it isn't in my character to judge someone without knowing them.

I took my phone and messaged in my friends group.

Meet me tomorrow in the orphanage at 11.

No excuses accepted.

Good night.

I didn't even bother to wait for their reply and switched off the internet. I recited the duas and slept.