Chapter 46
Time was passing, as it is its duty to pass. Zarmeena was still aloof from Salaar, but at least now she had stopped punishing herself. She was adapting to a new routine, going to university daily. As it was her last semester, she was oblivious to everything else, focusing solely on her studies. In Malik Villas, she was only familiar with Faizan, who kept her company without expecting anything in return.

Salaar, on the other hand, was like her silent protector. He followed her daily as she went to university, taking care of every little detail about her. Since the university was not far from Malik Villas, she usually walked there. Salaar, under the pretense of jogging, used this opportunity to keep an eye on her. Zarmeena was living in Salaar's portion of the house, but to her, it felt as though Salaar didn't exist.

That day, Salaar and Faizan were sitting in the lawn, discussing the same recurring issue.

"Dad, it's so unfair! She's my wife, yet she spends all her quality time with you," Salaar admitted bluntly, unable to hide his jealousy. He growled in frustration.

"What's bothering you if she does? If you're jealous, then don't be. I haven't achieved my target yet. She's barely acquainted with me, that's all. There's still a long way to go," Faizan stretched the words with a sigh. Both father and son seemed to be on a mission impossible, to conquer Zarmeena Khan.

"Dad, you don't know what I'm going through," Salaar said, annoyed, realizing that his father was engrossed in his files instead of paying attention to him.

"What are you going through?" Faizan raised his head slightly from the file and gazed at him over the rim of his spectacles.

"She's completely ignoring me. We live together, but we never talk. She keeps me in her full ignore zone. It's hurting me, Dad. Sometimes I feel like I'll spend my entire life like this. She's not the kind of girl I expected to have any such emotions," Salaar admitted, his voice tinged with hopelessness.

"What kind of girl, Salaar? And what kind of emotions?" Faizan asked, setting the file aside for a moment. "It's been only a month since your marriage, and you've already lost hope? Do you think being Salaar Malik automatically entitles you to win her over? Why don't you feel lucky to have her close to you? Even if she doesn't talk to you or ignores you, she's still by your side.

Salaar, in just a few days, I've come to understand her. She's unique and rare, like a raw diamond. Once polished by your persistent love, the whole world will be blinded by her shine. Just wait. After all, she's a girl. Her heart will definitely feel the warmth of your emotions. Just give her time," Faizan advised him with calm wisdom.

"I don't want you to cry over this anymore. Be a man, Salaar! Instead of crying, find ways to win her heart."

Salaar felt the depth of his father's words sinking in, giving him a small glimmer of hope.

"Now get over it and start thinking of me for a change. I'm tired of covering up for Taimur's mistakes. I thought you would help me run the Malik empire, but you're just wasting your time on your useless jealousy over me. Step forward, take charge as CEO, and let me get some rest," Faizan said, his voice full of exhaustion.

"Dad, I will help you, but not as a CEO. I have other plans. I'm just waiting for my results. And as a matter of fact, Taimur should take charge as CEO. He truly deserves this position as your eldest son." Salaar feared that Faizan would not approve of his decision to quit the Malik empire, but he knew he had to reveal his future plans.

"Are you out of your mind? Taimur is not capable of this position! I cannot let him destroy what my father created and what my brothers and I sustained, pouring our whole lives into it. It's time for you to come out of your resting phase and gear up to do some work. I'm tired now, and my health no longer allows me to bear this burden alone," Faizan said sternly, his voice tinged with fury.

"Okay, okay, Dad. Don't get your temper high. Give me the remaining work, and I'll do it." Sensing his father's annoyance, Salaar quickly ended the topic, dragged the file toward himself, and began discussing its contents with Faizan.
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Salaar got a phone call from Fahad, who excitedly shared the news of his army enlistment. To congratulate him, Salaar hurried to the university, where Fahad had arranged a small reunion with their batchmates.

As Salaar stepped in the lobby, his eyes caught sight of Zarmeena in a peculiar posture. She was sitting on the carpet with her legs folded beneath her, her entire body bent over a book lying on the ground. Other books were scattered around her, and she seemed completely engrossed in her studies.

Look at that silly girl. She's definitely going to get a backache if she stays in that posture any longer. The book isn't running away! You'll need glasses if you keep reading at that distance. And you're even blocking the light with your tilted head. Oh my God, what am I going to do with this stubborn girl?

Salaar noticed Aslam passing by and signaled him to come closer.
"Bring a pillow for Madam Zarmeena so she can lean back while reading. And get her shawl too. Make her a cup of hot chocolate and place it next to her. Also, remind her to drink it, or it'll sit there until tomorrow. Don't forget to give her dinner and medicines as well."

His instructions came to a halt when he spotted Taimur approaching, barely able to suppress his laughter. Salaar knew what was coming and shot him a warning glance to stay quiet.
"As-salamu alaikum," Taimur greeted.

Hearing his voice, Zarmeena quickly raised her head and stood up, bowing slightly to return the salaam. Taimur patted her head lightly before turning to Salaar.
"Salaar, can you come to the office tomorrow? Dad wants you to be present at the meeting with the Sabarwals."

Salaar nodded, and as he escorted Taimur outside, Taimur could no longer hold back his teasing stares.
"Taimur stop it.. don't stare me like this."Salaar said his voice etched with irrigation.
"I am just looking at my younger brother turning into a trained husband now." Taimur teased him.

Salaar smirked and replied, "Because my trainer is my elder brother." they started arguments like two fussy siblings.

Taimur laughed. "It's fine, my dear brother, but don't let Mama see this refined husband version of yours, or she'll make a fuss about it." Taimur adviced him.

"Why?" Salaar asked, confused.

"She doesn't like her sons being under anyone's influence, not even their wives'." Taimur winked and gave him a tip of happy post marriage life.
Salaar only shrugged in the response.
"I'm heading out now. Dad is waiting for me at the office. Don't forget to show up at the meeting tomorrow."

Taimur nodded and waved as Salaar also got into his car, heading to Fahad's event.
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When Salaar entered the hall, everyone hooted and clapped.
"Here comes our not-anymore-bachelor friend!" Jawad yelled from afar, drawing almost everyone's gaze toward him.
"Wow, man, it fills my heart to see you're still in one piece," Jawad joked while approaching him, wiping his eyes.
"Yes, my brother, when you disappeared after marriage, we thought you were taken by your wife's brutal claws," Fahad chimed in. Both Fahad and Jawad embraced him so warmly as though they hadn't seen him in years.

The hall was full of people. Salaar hadn't expected Fahad to throw such a huge party. He even spotted Zawyaar in a corner, talking with someone.

Dad was right; at least I'm the lucky one to have her as my life partner.
His heart filled with pride as he strode toward Zawyaar.

"Hello, Zawyaar... long time no see." Zawyaar tilted his head at the familiar voice but was shocked by the polite tone of the usually rude Salaar Malik.

"Sorry for not inviting you to my wedding. You slipped from my mind." Salaar didn't miss the opportunity to strike Zawyaar where it hurt the most.

Both Jawad and Fahad stood stunned, their mouths agape and eyes wide open, as they gazed at the new, show-off version of Salaar Malik holding a banner that read, "Look here, I am Zarmeena Khan's husband."

"It's okay. Never mind," Zawyaar replied, his tone sour, as if he had eaten raw bitter gourd. He tried to ignore it, but Salaar wasn't ready to let him go.

"No, how could I forget you? After all, we were co-hosts at the Sports Gala. Zarmeena will be very sad if she finds out you missed our marriage," Salaar added, sprinkling more salt on the wound. Fahad and Jawad's heads swung back and forth like pendulums, following the conversation as if watching a table tennis match.

"Oh, Salaar, don't take this to heart. I meet her almost daily because I've replaced Sir Baqir as the sports teacher. She's my assistant in the Sports Auditorium now, spending almost half of her time with me," Zawyaar retorted, delivering a direct blow to Salaar's patience-a perfect sixer out of the ground.

Salaar began to burn from head to toe. Before he could react and break Zawyaar's head, Jawad intervened.

"Salaar, I need to discuss a very important matter with you," Jawad said, locking eyes with Salaar in a silent signal to let it go.

"Yes, yes, he's right, Zawyaar. We need Salaar for a moment," Fahad added, dragging Salaar to a corner.

"What is this, bro? Are you here to prove that you're Zarmeena Khan's husband? More like the movie title 'Salaar Malik in Zarmeena Khan's Boots?'" Jawad ground his teeth in pretentious anger.

"My brother, have some patience. Why invite trouble and spoil my party? I already took a loan for it," Fahad tried to pacify him, fearing that this reaction would ruin everything. However, it had the opposite effect.

"Yes, you... you are always the reason. Did you invite him? Say yes if you're ready to handle my reaction," Salaar blurted out at Fahad, turning his frustration toward him.

"Hahaha..." Fahad answered mockingly.
"Jawad, if your memory is in working condition, tell me-wasn't he just making excuses to Zawyaar a few minutes ago for not inviting him to his wedding?" Fahad sought Jawad's support to deal with the almost vicious Salaar. Salaar's glares suddenly turned into a puzzled expression. He seemed to have realized something.

"How can he replace Sir Baqir? I mean, wasn't his major physics?" Salaar asked, confused. Fahad sighed in relief that Salaar's attention had shifted back to Zawyaar.

"He can because he's won many certificates in sports. Though he's doing this temporarily until the new teacher joins in. However, there's one more thing," Jawad said in a pensive tone.

"What?" Salaar furrowed his brow, curious.

"Everyone knows he'll join his dad in the family business. He only took this job because of Zarmeena," Jawad muttered in a meaningful tone, sending Salaar back to his previous furious state.

"I will kill that Big B-" Salaar rose from the chair and growled.

"Oye, Salaar, look who's there." Jawad shifted his gaze, and Leena was standing at the entrance in a disheveled state, gazing at him with straight eyes.