Salaar wanted to sleep, but his mind was too restless, filled with thoughts that wouldn't let him drift off for even a second. He kept tossing and turning, and eventually, he gave up trying to sleep. He wasn't in the right frame of mind to make decisions about joining the sports club, confronting his feelings for Zarmeena, and, most importantly, the pressure of marriage. His head began to spin from overthinking. He had taken a day off from university, hoping to clear his mind, but relaxation seemed unreachable. Needing an escape, he left his room, seeking a break from his thoughts.

As he neared the lobby, he overheard Dadi talking to one of the servants while holding her morning tea. "Majid, I told you to take care of my plants while I was away. Look at them now-they're all dried up!" Dadi was furious, her frustration evident to anyone in earshot. Everyone in the house knew about Dadi's deep love for her plants.

"You people are just useless," she continued, refusing to let Majid off the hook.

"Dadi, I watered them every day, except last week when I was in my village," Majid explained, his head bowed as he endured Dadi's scolding.

"You were reliable, Majid, but now you're useless since your engagement. All you do is take leave or talk to Jamila on the phone," Dadi retorted, still fuming. "My plants are suffering because of your engagement. Next time I see that phone in your hand, I'll be the one to break your engagement," she warned sternly.

Salaar couldn't resist intervening. "Oh, Dadi, don't be so cruel. It's a sin to separate lovers. I still pity Dada Ji for having such an unromantic wife," he teased, gesturing for Majid to leave. Majid seized the opportunity and quickly made his exit.

Dadi's demeanor softened instantly as she saw Salaar. "Oh, my baby, I missed you. I was waiting for you to wake up, but you're already awake," she said, pulling him closer and gently patting his head. Salaar leaned in, welcoming Dadi's affectionate tap. Despite his casual outfit of ruffled jeans and a baggy shirt, topped with a dark blue hoodie, his red eyes betrayed the sleepless night he had endured.

"And what's this? My Salaar is suddenly supporting love and romance? What's going on, son? Why the sudden change?" Dadi asked, feigning surprise, aware of how aloof Salaar usually was about matters of the heart.

"Dadi, you're overthinking. There's nothing like that... You've become so naughty since coming back from Uncle Zawaar's house!" Salaar nervously tried to change the subject, fearing that Dadi might discover what was truly on his mind. But Dadi wasn't easily deterred.

"Salaar, look at me," she said, her voice serious as she searched his eyes. "My dear Salaar, you're in love. Who is she? Is it a girl or..." she trailed off, her eyes twinkling with suspicion.

Salaar blushed, trying to deflect her questions. "See? I told you, Dadi, you've become more mischievous after your trip," he said, his face betraying his embarrassment.

Dadi laughed, her eyes filled with sweetness as she teased him. "Oh, Salaar, look at yourself-you're blushing! I never imagined I'd see a bashful Salaar."

"Dadi, stop pulling my leg. There's nothing like that. I'm just nervous because of your interrogation," Salaar said, trying to regain his composure.

"Alright, alright, take your time. Whenever you're ready, you can tell me," Dadi said kindly, placing her hand on his lap. "By the way, what's her name?" she asked casually, picking up her tea cup from the table.

"Zarmeena," Salaar blurted out, lost in thought. He realized too late what he had said, but Dadi's stunned expression quickly turned into laughter.

"Oh, Salaar, you're love-struck. Zarmeena is a lucky girl," she said between fits of laughter.

"What's going on here? What's so funny?" Warda's voice interrupted them, catching them off guard.

"Nothing, Mom. I was just telling Dadi a joke," Salaar quickly lied, shooting Dadi a look to keep his secret safe.

"I want to hear that joke too," Warda insisted, sitting down beside him.

"I'll tell you later. Let Salaar go; he's late for university," Dadi said, trying to cover for him.

Salaar jumped at the opportunity and left quickly, worried he might do something even more foolish.

"What were you laughing about?" Warda asked Dadi, still curious.

"I'll tell you later, but I'm not sure you'll like my answer," Dadi smirked.

"Good morning," came a young female voice, interrupting their conversation. Warda's mood instantly soured at the sight of Leena in their home. Even Dadi, who was usually hospitable, felt uneasy seeing Leena dressed so provocatively. With full makeup and a form-fitting dress that left little to the imagination, Leena sat confidently in front of them, fully aware that neither of them liked her. She was there with one goal in mind: to catch a glimpse of Salaar. She hadn't seen him in a year, and her heart ached to see him, so much so that she woke up early just to be there, knowing his usual routine.

"Nazli is in her portion," Warda replied formally, clearly wanting Leena to leave.

"Oh, Aunty, I didn't just come to see Nazli. I wanted to spend some time with you too," Leena lied, hoping to stay long enough to see Salaar.

"Sorry, but I'm heading out to a society meeting, and it's almost Dadi's prayer time," Warda excused herself firmly. But Faizan's entrance ruined her plan.

"Never mind, I'll spend time with my daughter," Faizan said warmly, trying to make up for Warda's coldness. Leena was his dearest friend's daughter, after all.

"And I still have some time before my prayers. I can join as well," Dadi added, feeling a little guilty about Warda's sternness.

Leena stayed in the lobby, waiting desperately to see Salaar for two hours, even after Faizan went to rest and Nazli fell asleep. She wondered if Salaar had left earlier, not knowing he was still in his room, finally catching up on the sleep he had lost the night before.