"If someone comes to you whose religion and character pleases you, then marry him."[Sunan al-Tirmidhi(1084)]

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Inaraah's p.o.v

Inaraah's house:

"Inu please wake up." Afreen Bhabi said while removing the comforter from my face.

"Please Bhabs five minutes more," I replied pulling the comforter back.

"You are saying this from half an hour" Afreen bhabi said.

"Hmmmm." I just hummed while continuing my beauty sleep. The next minute I felt something bouncing on me. I jerked my head to see what it was. And their sat with all glory my darling nephew Armaan who misunderstood my tummy as trampoline. I glared at Bhabi and she just smiled at me or I should say controlling herself from laughing at me.

I placed Armaan beside me and sat on the bed. I was still sleepy but these people won't let me sleep.

'Heartless people.' Bhabi was still looking at me with a blank face.

"Oh please Bhabs. Don't give me those looks. I'm really tired. You know na how busy I was since two weeks. It took complete one week to overcome the software vulnerability problem. And then this whole week, we had to do overtime to compensate for the last week. And yet you are not letting me rest properly after two tiring weeks at work." I went on babbling to make her understand my situation.

She gave me a bored look and said," Inu I understand your problem. But you need to balance your personal and professional life. It's okay for now but when you get married, things will change. You cannot give such excuses to your In-laws. If today's proposal work out then definitely you have to change yourself. Well even if it doesn't, you still have to change your habits."

I looked at her and said, "If these people are like the ones I met last week, then this will be the last proposal I'm seeing. I won't care about anyone. Every time I can't sit like a statue, dolled up exhibiting myself.

"Inu please don't say like that. In sha Allah this proposal will surely work. As far I heard from your baba, this guy and his family are very good and on Deen. You don't have to worry, they won't point out at your simplicity or Hijab," Bhabi said.

Apparently the people who came to see me last week were not very pleased with my hijab.
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"Beta how much do you earn?" The boy's mother asked me. I gave her an 'unbelievable look' but nevertheless said "25,000."

She gave an impressive look and again questioned, "So you will have promotions in near future right?"

Now I was mad at this lady. Her looks are enough to tell she is greedy. She is more interested in my job rather than me. But I didn't want to sound rude so I just said, "In sha Allah."

"And do you always wear that scarf?" She asked eyeing my hijab as if it was sin to wear scarf.

"Yes I always wear it to cover myself." I replied a bit rudely.

"Look beta we don't have any problem with your job but you don't have to wear that scarf after marriage." She said.

That was enough to make me furious but I kept my calm. I looked at mommy with a look 'One more stupid question and I'll lose my temper.'

Mommy was about to speak but I didn't let her and said, "Well aunty, I can't marry a person who will drag me into worldly pleasures rather than bringing me closer to Allah. Marriage completes half of the Deen and I'm looking for a person who will guide me in this world, protect me from haram things and be my companion even in Jannah, In sha Allah."

'And of course you will not have any problem with my job since you want a money making machine and not a wife for your son,' I didn't say that loud though.

She looked annoyed at my straight forward answer and said, "We will let you know our answer soon Sadaf."

"Aunty I don't think so your son and my sister are made for each other. I wish your son get a good wife. All the best for future and Thanks for coming." Ziyaad bhaiya said.
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My thoughts were broken when Afreen bhabi tapped at my shoulder.

"Stop daydreaming Inu. Go freshen yourself. Till that time I will search your cupboard for the best outfit,"Bhabi said smiling at me.

I just rolled my eyes at her and went to washroom. I dressed up in a simple blue salwar suit and went down to have my breakfast. Mommy and Mamma sat beside me. I know they are up to something but I focused on my not so interesting breakfast.

"Inu we know you are upset with whatever happened last week. But this time we made sure that the boy and his family are religious."Mamma said.

I just gave them a blank look as I was not keen on discussing this topic with them.

"Please Inu don't look at us like that. You understood right what we are trying to tell you."Mamma said again.

I was not interested so I continued with my breakfast. I guess they got my point so they didn't push the topic further. After breakfast I went to my room and made myself comfortable on my ever so loving bed. I took my phone and started playing Block puzzle. I got addicted to this game now.'

I was busy playing when both my Bhabis entered my room.

"Inu what are you doing? You know right the guest will arrive after Zuhr." Samiha bhabi said.

I continued playing and without lifting my head spoke, "First tell me who is the guy? What is his age? What does he do for a living? And as you all said he is on Deen so no queries on that."

"Inu please trust us. Even we don't have any idea about the guy and his family. Your baba and Fahad Bhai met them and just informed us that they will be guest coming to see you this week."Afreen Bhabi said.

"Okay." That's all I said and continued playing the game. I know both my Bhabis are looking or I should say glaring at me but right now game is important.

"Fine. You sit and play here and we will remove all your accessories. And one more thing don't complain about the dress or jewellery. Whatever we select you have to wear it without making fuss. Take it as my warning if you want."Afreen bhabi said.

I looked at her and just smiled, then went back on playing my game. I continued playing since I won three games in a row. I was about to start a new game when Samiha bhabi snatched my phone. I looked at her and requested her to return my phone.

"Stop being so stubborn Inu. It's already 12.30. Please get up and shower."Samiha bhabi said a bit angrily.

Well she doesn't get angry much but now I guess I had irritated them enough that they are losing their patience. In a way I was enjoying it since they didn't reveal about the guy. I know that even they aren't aware about them but still I want to annoy them. I just sat staring at them and after good 5 minutes went to take shower AGAIN.

After drying my hair, I did my wudhu and offered Zuhr salah. I made lots of dua because I was pissed of with this marriage fiasco. I then wore the dress which Afreen bhabi selected for me. Both my bhabis joined me after their salah and was helping me in getting ready.

"Inu, I warned you not to make fuss while getting ready. Little make up won't harm you."Afreen bhabi said.

"No means no. I'm not going to bake my face. Let them see my real face not baked one. And I don't even know the names of all these baking ingredients."I replied.

Samiha bhabi started laughing at my 'baking ingredients' comment. Even I couldn't hold back my laughter and joined her.

"What's going on here?" a voice came from behind us. We three looked at the person and it was none other than my phupu. We greeted her and welcomed her in my fairy castle.

"She is not ready to apply make up."Afreen bhabi complained phupu.

"And she is calling them as baking ingredients."Samiha bhabi said and again started laughing. I looked at Afreen bhabi who was losing her patience.

"Please bhabs don't give me those looks. See I wore the same dress you selected and also jewellery. Please leave this make up. I don't like even a bit of it. Please understand."I said to persuade her.

Finally she gave into my wish and let me have my way. I applied little cream on my face, then applied lip balm. 'Yeah I use lip balm instead of lipstick.' I then took kohl and coated my eyes making them attractive. I love applying kohl since many people compliment me saying I have beautiful eyes. I wrapped my hijab and pinned it neatly.

I looked at myself for one last time. I was dressed up in a long sea green colour frock which reached till my ankles with same colour chudidhar. It had cream colour embroidery work at the collar and along the borders of the dress. I matched it with a cream colour hijab.

"Come Inu they are waiting for you. Let's go."Phupu said.

I caught Afreen bhabi's hand tightly and said, "Bhabi I'm nervous. Please I don't want to go down."

Afreen bhabi caressed my hand and assured me that everything will be fine. "Come on let's go now. Don't panic Inu, we all are their with you." Afreen bhabi said.

I just nodded and made my way towards living room. I could hear their voices which were quite familiar but I couldn't point it out. As I entered the living room, I was shocked to see the people sitting in front of me. My eyes went wide seeing the person who asked my hand for marriage.

"Alhaan sir." I whispered and looked at my Bhabis who were equally shocked as me.

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Alhaan's p.o.v.

Qureshi Mansion:

Life is unpredictable. We think that it goes on as we planned forgetting that it is planned by the best of planners. And today I am getting ready to go to Inaraah's place to ask her hand for marriage.

Initially I thought it was just a mere attraction but the past days made me realize that it's more than attraction. I have developed an instant liking towards her when I saw her in office on the first day. Maybe this is what they call Falling in love at first sight. I'm not sure whether I love her or not but I have strong feelings towards her.

I still remember the day at the park when I saw her crying. Her teary eyes and gloomy face made me restless. I so wanted to comfort her but I couldn't. I was confused about my feelings and the conversation with my brothers muddled up my brain even more.

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Flashback:

In the lawn:

"What are you thinking so deeply Chote?" Azaan bhai asked.

I wasn't thinking straight at the moment and blurted out, "About Inaraah."

"Kya(What)?" Both my brothers said at a time staring at me with shock all over their face. I face palm myself for being an idiot. I looked at them who were eyeing me suspiciously. I gulped on my saliva and questioned Azaan bhai about Inaraah.

"Bhai how come Inaraah is so close to you? I mean she calls you Bhai instead of sir. I'm just curious to know as how she got so closed to you within an year?" I asked

He looked at me for a good few seconds and then replied, "I know her from two years. She had to submit some project in college so she joined our office as a project intern. I was her guide for the project and I was very much impressed with her dedication and skills. Her modesty and pious nature, her determination to the allotted task and knowledge about the subject had a good impression on Abbu as well. On her last day as an intern Abbu gave her the offer letter saying she can join the office once she is done with her studies."

"Okay. So then you might have idea about her family as well, Right?" I asked or more like inquired.

But I guess that was a bad move since my both brothers got alerted and had a questioning look. I was about to speak but Faizan bhai didn't let me. He was looking or should I say scrutinizing me making me conscious and scared at a time.

"Why are you so interested in Inaraah and her family Chote?" Faizan bhai asked.

Damn I'm doomed now. I was thinking of better excuse to escape from this situation. But who am I kidding? They are my brothers ELDER BROTHERS.

"Don't think that we don't know anything." Faizan bhai said.

My palms became sweaty and my heart was beating so fast that it can even win a marathon. First Tauhid and now my brothers. I wanted to explain myself but I guess it's better to shut my mouth since they won't lemme speak now.

"The way you look at her, always engage her in conversation to get her attention. Do you think we are blind? Even if we don't work together but we are in the same office. And I always keep an eye on my brothers and their work." Faizan Bhai said

How can I be such an idiot? I shouldn't have questioned them in the first place. I'm so dead now and I guess this is not over yet because when I was about to escape Faizan bhai caught me.

"Why did you go behind Inaraah today?" Faizan bhai asked.

It wouldn't be a surprise if my eyes bulge out because now I'm beyond shocked. Bhai saw me going after Inaraah. Can this situation become even more worst than it was before? But guess I wasn't the only one who was shocked.

"What? When? And why will Chote go behind Inaraah?" Azaan bhai asked.

"Today at the orphanage when he inquired about the park and then left saying he had work. He went to the park after Inaraah unaware that even I have seen Inaraah going in that direction. So Chote will you please enlighten us what work you had in the park? And what took you so long in there?" Faizan bhai asked glaring at me.

Now what should I say. Wow I just dug my own grave. I know my excuses will be wasted coz my brothers aren't gonna buy them. It's better I tell them everything and I think that's the best thing. I never hide anything from them. So I narrated them everything. Both looked at each other and then at me. I was scared of their reaction but tried my best to cover it.

"Chote do you love her?" Azaan bhai asked.

I jerked my head in his direction and said, "No bhai I don't. I was just worried when I saw her in tears.

How can they assume such things? I was just worried for her that doesn't mean that I love her. Or do I? Why is it so confusing? I hold my head in my hands not knowing what to do or say.

"Chote relax. Don't stress yourself. I know you are confused about your feelings. I just want to tell you that Inaraah is a great girl and everyone likes her the way she is. It's not wrong to fall in love. Whatever you just said, we can conclude one thing that you like her. The way you behave around her cannot be only attraction. Take your time and think over it." Faizan bhai said.

I don't know what to say so I just nodded and went back to my room.

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At office:

I was happy to go back to work as it will distract my mind. But guess luck isn't on my side. How can I forget Aarzoo? She was constantly trying to have a conversation with me while I was doing my best to avoid her.

I went to check up on my team when my eyes fell on Inaraah and Sagar. They were laughing on something. I don't know why I didn't feel good seeing that. She doesn't even smile when she is with me and here she is laughing with him.

I cleared my throat which was loud enough to make them freeze at their places. I looked at them and glared at Sagar. I want to punch him so badly.

"I guess we have a problem to solve. But seems like my team wants to enjoy." I said glaring at them.

Don't know why but I was angry. How can she laugh with him like that? First Aarzoo and now Sagar. Everyone has vowed to irritate me I guess.

I was having hard time to cope up with these feelings. Thankfully the problem was solved within a week and I sighed in relief.

Now the team have to do overtime to compensate for the last week. It was lunch time so I decided to visit Fatima aunty since I didn't meet her from past week due to the problem. I saw Inaraah coming out of her cabin with a grumpy mood. She saw me and composed herself. After greeting me she left and I went to Fatima aunty.

I greeted her and took my seat. My mind went back to Inaraah and I couldn't stop myself from asking about her mood to aunty.

"Aunty what happened to Inaraah? She was looking a bit angry when she left your cabin. Is everything fine?" I asked her.

"Yeah everything is good Alhaan. It's just that Inaraah was upset with the proposal." Fatima aunty said.

"What proposal?" I questioned her.

"Marriage proposal Alhaan." She stated.

I was shocked to hear that. Inaraah is getting married. All of the sudden everything felt suffocating.

"Inaraah is getting married. How? When?" I started blabbering.

Fatima aunty gave me a 'are you alright' look. I don't know what to say. Words weren't coming out of my mouth.

"Oh Allah. She isn't getting married. Actually few people came with a proposal for her. But they were not pleased with her Hijab and were more interested in her job. Inaraah was mad at them since they asked Inaraah not to wear Hijab after marriage. Inaraah's brother denied the proposal but still she is angry on her family for coming up with such a proposal." Fatima aunty said.

After hearing that I was relieved. Even though I wasn't in a state to talk but still I chatted with her for a while. I have to do something to get rid of this mess. I was still not sure about my feelings but the proposal thing gave me a minor attack.

I went home after magrib. I need to sort out myself so I decided to do ishtiqara. After dinner I spoke to my brother's and told them about my decision. They agreed to it and asked me to do it tonight itself.

I didn't have any dream but I was having a positive feeling. I wasn't satisfied so I decided to do it once more. I declared about my feelings to Abbu and mamma when my ishtiqara prayer turned to be positive. Now I know what I have to do further.

End of flashback ...
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I was standing in front of the mirror looking at my reflection. I wore a white shirt and black pant to have a good impression on her family. I'm so damn nervous. My brain is clouded with 'what if' and all negative thoughts.

"Everything will be fine. Don't be so nervous," I heard a voice from behind. Aiza Bhabi was standing at the door smiling at my way.

I moved towards her and said, "I hope so bhabi. I'm seriously too nervous."

"Relax Alhaan. Your ishtiqara was positive and with Allah's consent we are going ahead with the proposal. Tawwakal Allah. Everything will be fine." Aiza Bhabi said.

Her word's relaxed me to some extent. We moved out of my room and made our way towards my brother's.

" So Chote ready to get your Dulhaniya (bride)." Azaan Bhai asked

He was surely enjoying at my cost. From the day I told them about my feelings, he didn't leave a single chance to tease me. Yesterday he almost embarrassed me in front of Inaraah.

Why always me?

I just rolled my eyes at his statement but my heart was doing somersault inside. Abbu and mamma joined us and we all made our way towards car to reach our or should I say my destination.

Inaraah's house:

We were welcomed by Inaraah's father and cousin. I again felt nervous as to what will happen. All the ladies sat on one side and gents on other. I was reading Quranic verses to calm myself.

Even though Inaraah's brothers were friendly but still I'm scared of them as of now. All the elders got busy in talking and I was still reciting some verses.

"What happened Alhaan? Aren't you feeling well?" Fahad Bhai asked.

I just smiled at him assuring that I'm fine which I wasn't to be frank.

"How will he be fine when he will be interrogated by three brothers." Azaan Bhai said.

Everyone started laughing at his statement and I just gave an awkward smile. Thinking about it, don't know how I'm gonna manage when her brother's will actually interrogate me.

"Don't worry Alhaan. We won't eat you. But save yourself from Shaad. If you pass 'Shaad entrance exam' then you will be selected." Fahad Bhai said.

Even though he was just joking but it made me even more nervous than I was before. I looked at Shaad Bhai who had a smug look. Seeing him only one thing clicked in my mind 'Azaan version 2.'

My heart started beating fast when mamma asked for Inaraah. Again my brain was clouded with so many questions.

What will Inaraah think of me?
What will be her reaction?
Will she accept my proposal?

So many questions with no answers. The only person who can answer all these questions is 'Inaraah.' And on a cue she entered the living room. She was shocked to see the people in front of her and as always her eyes went wide seeing me.

"Alhaan sir." She whispered but still I could make it out. And for the first time I smiled genuinely looking at her.