You may be rich, famous or have high status in this duniya, but to the angel of death you are just another name on the list.

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Inaraah's p.o.v

Qureshi Mansion-Living room:

We all settled in the living room after breakfast. I was surprised when Sumaiyya aunty fed me breakfast. She don't just call us daughters for namesake but she treats us as one. Her gesture reminded me of mommy who used to feed me whenever I was sick or tired.

"Azaan Bhai its Inaraah Bhabi's first day. Lets do something interesting." Alhaan sir's cousin said whose name I didn't quite catch up during the intro session.

"Of course we will. Let's start from the beginning." Azaan Bhai replied.

I was curious to know what this beginning was. I looked at Alhaan sir who was equally curious and confused as me. Azaan Bhai looked at my way and said, "Inaraah do you wanna know how Chote spoke about his feelings for you to Mamma and Abbu?"

I didn't say anything because my embarrassment and shyness have broken all the records today. "No she doesn't want to know that Bhai." Alhaan sir replied instead of me. I actually don't want to know, at least not in front of everyone. It will surely be awkward for both of us.

"But we want to know. Bring it on Azaan Bhai." Roshan said. I really wanna salute this guy for draping a Saree and actually carrying it very well. He wasn't a bit uncomfortable in it and he even covered his face with the veil.

Alhaan sir looked quite annoyed and gave them a deathly glare. They however ignored his glares while Azaan Bhai prepped himself to imitate Alhaan sir. He requested Faizan sir to impersonate Rahman sir which he gladly accepted.

"Ab.. Abbu I want to say something." Azaan Bhai said. His voice was exactly like Alhaan sir. I didn't know he can do mimicry as well.

"I have been hearing that from past 10 minutes Chote. Can we move ahead please. What do you want to talk about?" Faizan sir said.

"About Inaraah." Azaan Bhai replied. He squeezed his eyes tightly to add effects. He is exactly like Shaad Bhaiya.

"What about Inaraah?" Faizan sir questioned.

"Abbu I.. me.. I actually want to pro.. pro.. pro.." Azaan Bhai mimicked. I was actually enjoying this.

"Pro.. What does this pro means? Can you please say it clearly." Faizan sir said in monotone.

"Ah.. I want to promote Inaraah." Azaan Bhai replied hastily and again closed his eyes.

Everyone started laughing while I chuckled and looked at Alhaan sir whose face was between his palms. He was surely embarrassed with this mini act played by his brothers. Even Faizan sir and Azaan Bhai started laughing in between. After composing themselves, they continued their story telling.

"It took you so long to say this. I am sorry we cannot promote her this soon as she is just a beginner." Faizan sir replied.

"I know Abbu." Azaan Bhai spoke in a disappointed tone.

"Well if you are done, let's call it a night and head back to our respective rooms." Faizan sir said.

"No Abbu, I want to say something else." Azaan Bhai said. He then took a deep breath as if preparing himself. I give him a full 100 for mimicking with so much perfection.

He cleared his throat and said, "Abbu I want to marry Inaraah."

I looked down feeling shy. Gone was all the fun and laughter. As if those words weren't enough all the boys and girls started aww-ing and hooting. They have been doing that from last night. I don't understand what they get by doing so.

"Are you both done?" Alhaan sir said glaring at his brothers.

"No there is more. Stop interrupting us." Azaan Bhai replied.

"Well keep continuing. We are heading back to our room." Alhaan sir said. They were about to say something when Alhaan sir's Nanna(maternal grandma)interrupted them.

"Enough for the day kids. I need to talk to my daughter in law." Nanna said.

She came and sat beside me. She took my hand in hers and said, "I have something for you and I want you to wear it tonight for your reception. Will you?"

She is so polite. I am already loving her. I smiled at her and nodded. She took a box from Sumaiyya aunty and gave it to me. She asked me to open it which I did and was surprised to see the set in it. 'Allah its so beautiful and expensive too.'

"I love all my grand kids but this Chote is my most loved one. I want his wife to have the best gift." Nanna said.

"That's unfair Nanna." Azaan Bhai said. I looked at Alhaan sir who was smirking at him.

I have been sneaking glances at him since morning. He is looking so good in that royal blue shirt and black pant. His soft hair combed perfectly, black eyes with a glint in them, straight nose and stubble jaw. I was practically drooling over him.

We have worked together for months but I never observed him. Now when I am doing so, I can relate why those girls used to drool over him in office. Unknowingly jealousy took birth in me.

'Stop acting like a teenager Inu,' my brain scolded me.

'But it's normal to be jealous. He is her husband now.' my heart replied.

'Exactly. Now he is her husband then what's the need to be jealous?' my brain questioned.

'There is every reason to be jealous. She is no more a part of the company. All the girls will still drool over him and shamelessly check him out while she will be at home.' my heart replied.

My brain and heart continued to battled while I was burning in my own jealousy. I remember how those girls used to drool over him. At that time it didn't bother me but now I feel possessive of him.

'Inu you are not a jealous type. Stop acting like one.' my brain retorted.

"Okay enough of your arguments." A voice broke me from my inner battle. That's when I realized I zoned out completely. I don't even know what the argument was about.

Nanna gave me another small wooden box. I looked at her confused as to what it is. She already gave me such an expensive gift and now another one. She gestured me to open the box and I obliged. The box had a beautiful gold chain with a heart shaped pendant, but it was too small.

I gave her a questioning look to which she smiled and said, "I bought this chain for my grand daughter. But I was a bit disappointed when it was a boy again and it was none other than your husband Alhaan."

"Nannaaaaaaaa...." Alhaan sir wailed.

"I am still disappointed that it was a boy and not my baby sister." Azaan Bhai said.

"We don't need a sister Bhai since we have you. You are not less than a girl." Alhaan sir countered.

"Stop it you both." Sumaiyya aunty scolded them.

Nanna took my hand in hers and said, "Now I give this to you. Maybe it is meant for my great granddaughter."

I felt as if all my blood gathered in my cheeks. Not even a day of marriage and these people are discussing about kids. Can this be more awkward?

"That's so thoughtful of you Nanna." Alhaan sir said.

He is surely enjoying my condition. He is teasing me since morning and now he got another chance to tease me.

"Chote didn't I tell you not to trouble or tease my sister." Azaan Bhai said in a serious tone. I looked at him shocked with his response. He took it so seriously. Even Alhaan sir was quite surprised with his tone.

"But this time you are right." He added after awhile. I was even more shocked to hear that. Isn't he my elder brother? He always say I am his little sister. He is supposed to be on my side supporting me but he is doing the exact opposite of it.

"Okay okay enough now. Don't trouble the poor girl." Sumaiyya aunty spoke. I was really thankful to her if not I would have died with the embarrassment.

"Inaraah go and get ready. Ziyaad will be here any moment to take you home." Sumaiyya aunty informed me. Before I could say anything, Alhaan sir jumped in the conversation.

"What? But why?" He questioned.

"What do you mean by why? Its a ritual where the girl goes to her home and spend sometime with them. Even you have to go but not now. Offer your Zuhr Salah and then go to Inaraah's home. Your In-laws have invited you for lunch. Stay there for sometime and bring Inaraah along with you in the evening." Sumaiyya aunty explained him.

____________________

Qureshi Mansion - Alhaan's room:

I got up to go to our room to freshen up. I corrected my appearance and was wrapping my Hijab when Alhaan sir walked in and stood in front of me.

"Is it necessary to go?" He asked like a sad kid. I just smiled at his antics.

"Will you miss me?" He questioned out of nowhere. I was taken aback with his question. What should I reply? He looked at me expectantly but my mind was a mess currently. He gave a small smile and was about to move when I caught hold of his shirt in order to stop him.

He looked at my hand and then at me. I immediately looked down and whispered, "I will wait for you."

I don't have the guts to look at him so I kept my looking down. Alhaan sir cupped my face and then I felt his lips on my forehead. My heart thumped loudly while I froze at my spot. He placed his forehead on mine like he did in the morning. My hold on his shirt became tight which he easily sensed and said, "Relax Inaraah, I will never do things which will make you uncomfortable."

I don't know how to respond but it felt so good. A comfortable silence surrounding us, speaking of feelings which words could never describe. Our heart beats synchronizing together forming a new tune. Our moment was broken by a knock on the door followed by a voice.

"Inaraah Bhabi your brother is here. Come down soon." Somebody said and left not even waiting for the response.

Alhaan sir stepped aside with a frown and said, "They won't let us have a peaceful moment together."

He is really a kid at times. I took my clutch and phone and we headed towards the living room. We greeted bhaiya and I left with him. I was really excited to meet my family especially my Bhabis.

____________________

Inaraah's home:

I rushed inside my home to meet Mommy and Baba. I remained in my mother's embrace for a longer time. Not even a day and I missed them so much. After greeting everyone, we all settled in the living room. I sat in between Mommy and Baba.

"After a long struggle, we got rid of you. Now again you came back." Shaad bhaiya said. Oh so he is all set to tease me, but now I can counter him back.

"Oh really! Well I distinctly remember someone saying they will miss me. Who was that person?" I replied.

"Shaad bhaiya do you know who that person was?" I asked him with a teasing smile.

He scrunched his nose and said, "Fahad bhaiya asked me to say all that. You were already crying and he didn't want you to cry more. That's why I said those words."

Fahad bhaiya looked at him with an unbelievable look while I was busy laughing. He is so good in putting the blame on others. After chatting with them for a while, I went to my room along with my Bhabis. No sooner did we enter, my friends barged in behind us.

We all settled on my bed and these people started interrogating me. I just rolled my eyes at them when they were asking for the details. What should I tell them when I don't have anything to say. But I know they won't keep leave me until I say something. So I narrated them the morning incident of how I thought Alhaan sir broke into my room and his shocked face.

No way I am going to tell them everything and earn their teasing in return. So I thought to divert the topic and told them how Sumaiyya aunty fed me breakfast. They were in awe knowing how cool she is. And thankfully the topic shifted from us to different types of mother in laws and later to the Reception.

"Inu you are going to have a Grand reception. I have never been to Page 3 parties and this reception is surely one among them. I am so excited" Alisha said.

I actually didn't think about it. Even I have never been to such parties and today I will be the centre of attraction. I started feeling nervous thinking of tonight. They started discussing about the reception while I remained silent.

Alhaan sir joined us after Zuhr Salah. Mommy along with mamma and phupu went to arrange lunch while others were engrossed in conversation. I was sitting silently, scared and nervous for tonight. Alhaan sir was looking at me from time to time with a worried expression but I was too involved in my own mess.

*****************************

Alhaan's p.o.v:

Qureshi Mansion- Alhaan's room:

After Inaraah left, I came back to my room. Everyone got busy in reception preparations. I was lying on my bed thinking about her. I wanted to spend time with her but seems whole world is against it. Before marriage we weren't allowed to spend time together and after marriage these rituals aren't letting us stay together.

All the moments from morning started replaying in my mind bringing a smile on my lips. I was seriously scared when she screamed in the morning. I am sure she is the first girl on earth to forget that she is married.

The spark in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by me. Her eyes held admiration when I recited Quran this morning. And I will make sure that one day it will reflect pure love for me. We barely spent few hours together but those were the best hours of my life. In sha Allah we will have many more beautiful moments together in future.

There was a knock on the door and again my beautiful reverie was broken. These people cannot even leave me alone with my wife's thoughts. Annoyed with the knocking, I went to open the door. And I was welcomed with the most annoying smile of my best friend.

"If you are here to tease me, then I will really kill you." I warned him. He started laughing and then asked me whether he can enter the room.

'Wow.. Manners and Best friend. Hard to believe.'

I stepped aside making a way for him to enter the room. We both settled on the couch. I was waiting for him to say something stupid but he was all silent. Weird, he never behave this way.

"All good." I asked him.

"Yeah. Ahm.. I.. uh.. I want to tell you something." Tauhid said.

"Why are you so nervous? What do you want to talk about?" I questioned. His silence really scares me sometimes.

"Aarzoo." He replied. I became silent all of the sudden. I know I shouldn't be rude but right now I don't want to talk about her. Tauhid was waiting for me to say something but I didn't respond.

"Alhaan she wants to resign." Tauhid said.

I looked at him and said, "It was her decision to join Qureshi company and its her decision to leave it. However, Azaan Bhai appointed her so it would be better if you discuss this with him."

"But Alhaan she works under you. Your decision is also important." Tauhid said.

What's her problem. Why can't she behave like a professional person. What's with this new drama.

"I clearly said her that I don't have any problem with her. I was angry at first because of the fuss she created but still I didn't say a word to her.

What's her problem? If she wants to work she can or else she can leave. I neither asked her to join the company nor will I say her to leave. It's up to her.

And now please I don't want to talk about her or the company." I replied.

We remained silent for sometime. I almost lost Inaraah because of her. How much ever I try to keep my past away from my present, it won't leave me easily. But I will go to any extreme to protect Inaraah and keep her safe with me.

We were randomly talking about stuff when Zuhr Azaan was being called. I immediately got up to get ready. Tauhid was biting his lips to stop himself from smiling at my desperation.

'Yes I am a love sick puppy and I cannot stay away from my wife. Happy.'

_______________________

Inaraah's home:

After offering my prayer, I came to Inaraah's house. I was welcomed by her brothers. We greeted each other and then settled in the living room. Inaraah joined us in a while along with her Bhabis and friends.

I looked at her who greeted me with a smile. Ziyaad Bhai and Shaad Bhai started teasing us but Inaraah didn't respond to them.

"Alhaan we are extremely sorry that you have to deal with her throughout your life." Shaad Bhai said in a sympathetic tone.

I just smiled at his fake sympathy. Sometimes I feel, he is Azaan Bhai's twin. They have so many things in common especially the teasing nature. I looked at Inaraah who forced a smile at his comment. Something is wrong with her. Afreen Bhabi took her hand in hers. Guess I am not the only one who think that Inaraah is behaving differently.

We had lunch together. After spending whole day with her family, we made our way back to home. We made small conversation in between or the correct way to put it is I was trying to make a conversation with her.

_______________________

Qureshi Mansion:

As soon as we returned, all the girls jumped on us and took Inaraah with them. I wanted to talk to her but guess I have to wait for it. I sat on the sofa in the living room thinking of all the possibilities which affected her mood.

Faizan Bhai came and sat next to me. He placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "Chote can we talk?"

That's weird. I mean of course we can talk. I am simply sitting. I just gave a nod and taking it as a cue he said, "It's your reception tonight and you know we have invited all our business associates. They will be few reporters from the local newspaper and magazine as well."

I was about to deny but he didn't let me speak and said, "I know you don't like getting photographed but you have to understand Chote. They will be many businessmen tonight and it's obvious that press will be there. Please don't deny."

I hate this. I don't want public interference in my personal life. That's the reason I mostly avoid going to parties. But now I am left with no choice. I cannot miss my own reception.

"Fine Bhai. But I will not let them click Inaraah's pictures. Inaraah won't be comfortable with it and so am I." I replied

"Of course Chote. They won't be any photos of Inaraah. I will personally make sure of it." Bhai said.

After offering Isha'a Salah, I got ready in the guest room since all the girls have hijacked my room. After getting dressed up, I remained in the room thinking about her. I still didn't get a chance to speak to her. She was happy this morning then what happened within a span of few hours. Her family looked happy too. I looked at my watch which showed 8.20 pm. She should be ready by now. I got up and head back to our room.

_______________________

Alhaan's room:

I knocked on the door and was waiting for the girls to come out. Wow these people threw me out of my own room. Great. Just great.

The door opened and one by one everyone started moving out. Ghazala Bhabi and Aiza Bhabi were the last ones to come out.

"Hold on your breath Alhaan. Your wife is looking extremely beautiful. And yeah do give us the credit later." Aiza Bhabi said. I just smiled at her response. Being with Azaan Bhai, she became like him.

'The Drama Queen effect.'

I entered the room and closed the door behind. I stopped in my track when my eyes fell on Inaraah. She was looking dead gorgeous. I actually forgot to blink seeing the beauty in front of me. She was looking extremely beautiful in that pink dress, with all the jewellery and make up.

(Inaraah's reception dress👇👇👇)

She was aware of my gaze on her since her eyes started to flutter. I came out of my trance and sat beside her. She was looking down and as usual silence surrounding her.

"What's wrong Inaraah?" I asked her. In return she just shook her head as no. I turned her towards me and cupped her face so I can look in her eyes.

"Why are you so silent? Did someone say something? Are you hurt? Please tell me. I cannot take your silence." I said.

"I am scared." She whispered. Fear evident in her voice and reflecting in her eyes.

"I am from a middle class family and I have never attended such high profile parties. And tonight everyone's attention will be on me. I am.. I can't...." Her voice croak at the end and tears spilled from her eyes.

'Damn I didn't give a thought to it.'

I wrapped my arms around her and engulf her in a hug. She hugged me tightly as if I will disappear. I remained silent until her breathing was normal.

"Inaraah there is nothing called high profile or low profile. It is only in our minds. A person is rich based on his good deeds and helping nature and not because of his money.

Okay. Let me tell you the story which mamma used to tell us when we were small."

I broke the hug and again cupped her face. I wiped her tears and narrated her the story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a man who was very rich. He had everything which people dream about. He got all the success he wished for.

With growing age, his health deteriorated and he was bed ridden. He called for his only son and said him that 'Dear son, when I die I want to wear a sock in my right foot.' That was his last wish.

Few days later he died. While performing his last rituals, the son informed the Imam about his father's last wish. The Imam denied it saying it's not permissible in Islam. The boy remained persistent since it was his father's last wish.

A man about his father's age walked towards him and gave him a letter. He recognized him as the man was his father's friend. He told the boy that his father asked him to give the letter to him on the day he died. He took the letter from him and started reading it.

Dear son,

If you are reading this letter, it means I am no more. And I know you are trying to fulfil my last wish but you cannot since its not permissible in Islam.

I know it already but I still put forth such a wish because I wanted to teach you to stay humble. Did you see that even after earning so much wealth I cannot even take a sock with me to my grave.

Always remember everything is temporary. You will carry only your deeds with you to the grave. So stay humble and always help people as much as you can.

Lots of love from your beloved dad.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Everything is temporary Inaraah. This wealth or status doesn't matter, since it is limited to this world only.

And you are not alone, our families will be there with you. Even though I won't be by your side, but I am always there for you." I explained her.

She just gave a nod while I kissed her forehead. She blushed and looked down.

"And one more thing." I said. She looked at me waiting for me to speak. I smiled at her and said, "You are looking beyond beautiful."

A shy smile appeared on her lips. I forwarded my hand to her and she placed her hand in mine. We went down and joined others. I went near my Bhabis and told them to be with Inaraah all the time.

_____________________

I was tired meeting innumerable people. I hope Inaraah is fine. I just want this all to end so I can go near her. After the dinner, the crowd started to decrease.

Finally after 2 hours, everyone left expect for our families. We joined the ladies at the end. As I entered, my eyes fell on her who was smiling with her friends. I felt relieved seeing that.

I went near her and she smiled at me. "Ahem ahem.. Now that jiju is here, you won't need our company anymore I guess." Inaraah's friend told her. She just glared at her while others snickered.

The rest of the time just passed by and Inaraah was smiling all the time. I was happy that she is not scared or nervous. Finally it was time to leave and we bid our adieu to her parents.