Love may last for lifetime for some but the love of Allah and for the sake of Allah will last an eternity. ~Shaykh Yahya

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Alhaan's p.o.v

At the restaurant:

"Bhai I want to talk to Inaraah. Please can you three give us 5 minutes." I said looking at them. I don't need to look at Inaraah to know what her reaction is.

'I hope you all also know by now as well.'

"Okay, make it soon but." Fahad Bhai said.

"And stay in your limits. We are watching you." Azaan Bhai added. I gave him a 'please leave' look. I am used to his silly behaviour but Inaraah is not. He surely knows how to make a person uncomfortable in his presence.

We both settled on our respective places while our brothers were seated on the couch at a little distance. I looked at her whose eyes were shivering. I didn't knew I had so much effect on her. In a way, I was happy seeing my effect on her.

"Why didn't you tell me about Aarzoo that day Inaraah?" I asked her.

She looked at me, guilt reflecting in her eyes. My heart ached seeing her like that. I just want her to trust me and be comfortable in my presence.

"I am really sorry." That's all she said and again lowered her eyes.

"I don't need your apologies Inaraah. I just want you to trust me. Trust is the base of any relationship and that's what I want. I can deal with any problem, provided I need you to trust and support me." I said calmly not wanting to scare or intimidate her.

She kept mum for good few minutes. Finally she looked at me and said, "I am extremely sorry for my behaviour including the condition I kept for marriage . I didn't mean to hurt you or anyone. Everything happened too fast and I didn't know how to react. But now I want to start afresh. I promise I will genuinely try this time."

Even though I didn't like her apologizing again but I was happy that she wants to try. I couldn't change the past but I won't let Aarzoo ruin our present. This time I won't spare her.

"And with fresh I mean everything. Please forget what Aarzoo said. Let's keep our personal and professional life separate. I know you enough by now. Please control your anger and let this matter go. Everything is sorted now and let's focus on that rather than Aarzoo." Inaraah said.

The only thing that got my attention was 'I know you enough by now'. I was grinning ear to ear hearing that. All the anger I had on Aarzoo disappeared like a foam. She immediately looked away feeling shy and I let out a chuckle seeing her face.

I wanted to spend a little more time with her but how can my evil brother let that happen. "I told you to stay in your limits. You were trying to flirt with my little sister. How dare you?" Here begins the drama. The way he exaggerates things, sometimes I really wish he should have been a girl.

"Stop it Bhai." I told trying my best to sound angry. But I couldn't control myself from laughing when Inaraah hid behind Fahad Bhai. 'Wow my shy would be wife.'

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At the office:

I was sitting in my cabin content with my life Alhamdullilah. Finally I got the deal for which I was working hard with my team. Even though the initial investment is low but I am sure with passing time we will be able to grab big projects.

And as for Inaraah is concerned, we don't talk much except for work related stuff, but she is no more hesitant while interacting with me. We both maintained our distance from Aarzoo. She again tried to persuade me but I calmly said her that she is nothing but an employee to me.

Today Abbu has organised a small party for celebrating my first success. I didn't want a big celebration so we decided to do it in our office in presence of my family. I made my way outside the cabin to join my colleagues.

My mamma came along with both my sister in laws but I couldn't find Ahana and Ayaan. Where are the kids? Mamma was really happy and it reflected in her eyes. She hugged me and kissed my forehead.

Abbu joined us with my brothers. A family moment but still Inaraah is missing. I looked at her who was warmly smiling at us. I wish she was here next to me to complete this family moment.

Abbu was thanking our employees when something happened, something I never expected. I was too shocked to respond while Inaraah stood frozen at her place.

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Inaraah's p.o.v

At the office:

Everything is fine now. All the confusion and misunderstanding was cleared. Even though I still feel weird thinking about Alhaan sir as my would be husband but I started to accept it.

Seeing Alhaan sir and his family happy for his success brought a huge smile on my face. Rahman sir's eyes were shining with pride for his son. It feels so good to see them so happy together.

'Always keep them happy ya rab. Ameen.'

Rahman sir was expressing his gratitude to all his employees when two little voice halted his speech.

"Inaraah chachi(aunt)." Ahana and Ayaan's voice echoed in my ears making me freeze at my spot. They came running towards me, wrapped their hands around my waist engulfing me in a hug. I looked at Alhaan sir who was shocked as well. I looked at the rest of Qureshi family who were startled as well.

"Come here Inaraah." Sumaiyya aunty said. I was still shocked to move but the kids dragged me along with them. I stood beside her, every eye on me making me nervous. I didn't know my hand was shivering until Aiza bhabi caught hold of it. 'Damn! Why am I shivering?'

Rahman sir cleared his throat grabbing everyone's attention. I was relieved when they looked away from me. "Well I have another news for you all. You all are my extended family and I guess its time I should let you all know that Alhaan is soon getting married to Inaraah." As soon as Rahman sir announced, I heard a loud gasp from all the girls. If only looks could kill, I would have been dead by now. Aarzoo was piercing holes in me through her eyes. She looked hurt. A part of me was feeling bad for her.

All the department heads started congratulating us. Allah this is really awkward. I peeked at Alhaan sir to look at his reaction. He was avoiding eye contact with everyone probably embarrassed with the sudden change of event. His expression was comical and if it was any other situation I would have laughed at him.

After all the wishes and blessings, I decided to leave since I cannot stand the stares that all the girls are throwing at my way. I informed Azaan bhai and was about to leave when Sumaiyya aunty along with Rahman sir approached me. "Inaraah I hope you are okay with the announcement we made few minutes before." Rahman sir said and I just nodded not knowing what to say.

"Aa..uh.. Inaraah can you please inform your parents that we will be visiting them to discuss about your wedding date. Its been more than a month to your engagement and I am eager to get you both married." Sumaiyya aunty said.  A bunch of butterflies invaded my stomach thinking about the wedding. I was just wishing to somehow disappear from here. I quickly nodded and left the office.
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Inaraah's room:

Finally I got time for myself. When I informed my family about the incident at office, they started laughing at me. My brothers and sister in laws teased me to no end. I looked at Baba for help and that's when they stopped teasing me. However Shaad bhaiya was still making faces to tease me. I just avoided him and after dinner I literally ran to my room.

And now I am sitting here at my favourite spot after offering my prayer. My family invited Alhaan sir and his family for dinner over the weekend so they can discuss our wedding date. This whole thing was making me jittery.

I looked at the moon which was glowing in the darkness of night. A strange feeling took birth in me. I could connect myself with the moon and this moon will witness our journey of marriage. We may have our own set of ups and downs but the moon will always enlighten our path. I smiled at my thoughts and took my diary to pen down my thoughts.

Moon is the witness of our story..
It will enchant it with its glory..

Sighting the moon sitting by my window..
Dreaming about our fairy tale in a beautiful meadow..

Seek the warmth from its light..
It will ignite our love when we fight..

We will love each other to the moon and back..
And hold onto our relationship without being slack..

I reread my words and smiled fondly at it. "I promise Alhaan sir I won't let you down this time." I mumbled gazing at the moon.