With the early morning sun, Haider left his study and got to his exercise. He discarded his night robe and wore track pants. As he sat on the chair and worked with the dumbbells, there was a knock at the door.

'Come in.' He called without looking at it.

'Hey!' Amaal sounded cheerful and very much awake. Haider huffed as he continued. She smiled and strolled towards him.

- 'Can I touch this?' She pointed at his biceps.

He looked at her and exhaled loudly. He breathed putting down the dumbbells.

'What?' He sounded amused. Amaal shrugged, pressing her lips together.

'I always wanted to touch your biceps and here, there whenever I saw you exercised.' – She sat down on the bed and clasped her fingers lightly, - 'I love rugged sweaty men. It's kinda my kink.' She leaned back resting her palms on the bed and winked at him. Haider felt speechless by her comment. She crossed her leg and twirled her feet.

'Stop eyeing me like a creep.' He countered her and stood up. Amaal giggled covering her mouth with both her palms. Haider walked up to the mirror and picked up his towel. He glanced at the sweat glancing over his bare upper body. He thrust his chest forward and began to comb his hair with his fingers whilst admiring his reflection. But he quickly wiped out his prideful grin once Amaal announced that she had come to call him for breakfast. After she had left, Haider looked back at his reflection,

'I always wanted to touch your biceps and here, there whenever I had seen you exercised.

'I love rugged sweaty men. It's kinda my kink.'

Alina adjusted the cup sleeves of her black striped shirt and pulled up the high waist of her beige pencil skirt and cautiously approached a group of people. On the way, Mikael stopped her by stepping in front of her. Startled, she took a step back.

'What are doing?' He asked casually. She pressed her lips into a smile and gestured towards a bunch of envelopes she had in her hands. Mikael raised an eyebrow at her.

'Alone?' – He asked and she shrugged in response. To Alina's surprise, he held her hand, clasping her palm tightly with his fingers, and looked lovingly at her, - 'We are in this together. And forever.' He assured her, tugging her arm gently. Alina blushed, nodding confidently.

The group of people, three women, and five men stopped talking and greeted Alina and Mikael. Three of them were the interns and the rest were other employees. Alina glanced at Mikael and forwarded the envelopes to each of them.

'This is our wedding card. We are going to be Nikahified next week.' Mikael announced with pride whilst placing an arm around his fiancé's shoulder.

The women gasped in excitement and then everyone began congratulating them. The men hugged Mikael and shook hands with Alina, while the women hugged Alina and congratulated Mikael.

After everyone dispersed, Mikael suggested they grab a coffee to which Alina readily agreed. They had taken a step when they were interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Haider stood a few distances from them. He stood still with his hands in his trouser pockets and a stern gaze fixed on them. Alina nervously glanced at Mikael who looked unmoved.

'Good morning, sir.' He greeted him very formally. Haider's gaze darted from Alina to Mikael and then back again. He acknowledged his greeting with a nod and walked towards them.

'Miss. Alina, won't you invite me as well?' He asked in a dry tone. Alina gulped softly and looked down at the one envelope that she held. Haider observed her and was distracted when Mikael spoke,

- 'Of course, sir.' He urged Alina to give the card. She hesitated and then forwarded him the card. Haider took it and pulled out a card from inside the off-white envelope. It was a simple card with minimal design and printed words that announced Alina and Mikael's wedding. There were mixed feelings with this card.

'Good luck, both of you.' He tried to smile but his facial muscles refused to move. Avoiding them, he turned around and began to walk away. Alina glanced at Mikael and asked him to wait for her. Then, she hurried behind Haider.

'Haider! Haider!' She called and he stopped in his tracks. Slowly, he turned around and found her coming to halt a few distances from him.

'Are you still angry with me for—'

'Miss. Alina Hooda, this is my company and you are my employee.' -He said in a harsh tone and Alina got her answer, - 'I don't want to talk anything personal.'- He turned away and then turned to face her again, - 'And about the card. Just for you to know, I asked for it because I wanted to be there with Amaal. For her and not for you or—', he glanced over her shoulder, - 'your fiancé.' He said haughtily and turned around, brisk fully walking away.

Haider walked into his cabin and swiftly removed his coat. Neatly, he placed it at the back of his chair. Just then, his phone buzzed, and he took it out from his pants pocket. He thought it was about work but smiled reading her message.

Amaal: Reached safely! I have packed lunch for you. Don't worry I haven't made it. I Will send AK with it as you forgot to take it. Oops, I forgot to give it to you.

Haider leaned against his chair and smiled as he typed a message. All his previous tension dissolving away.

'I have told you before, don't try to be my wife.' He wrote it in a fun mode. And was glad when he received the answer in a fun way.

Amaal: Marry me, then I will be your official wife ;P

Haider let out a heartedly laugh and just then Banerjee walked in. Quickly, he fixed his expressions and cleared his throat. He looked at his assistant who was giving him a sly smile.

'What?' Haider frowned adjusting his tie.

'Sir, you look in a fine mood.' Banerjee teased. He stood up, scowling at him.

'Mind your business and—what is this?'

Banerjee forwarded him a few sheets and informed him to be the designs he had asked for. Haider nodded, getting serious again.

For Alina and Mikael,

And Haider, Amaal is giving you hint. Please take the cue *winks*

Precap:

Amaal's smile grew, - 'I think I am dreaming.' She gazed lovingly into his eyes. She moved her hand and touched his rugged face. Haider blinked softly. They continued admiring each other till Amaal tilted her head and leaned.

Haider closed his eyes and his lips parted on its own. He felt a strong tingling sensation over his body as her soft lips kissed him. Slowly, he held her hands and moved his palms over the length of her arm and rested on her shoulder. She fisted his shirt from his waist and inched closer. Haider's eyes snapped open as she pulled out his shirt from the trousers.

'What are you doing?' He took a step back.

'Shh!' Amaal placed a finger on his lips, - 'Let me touch you. Please.'

How was the Chapter, my lovelies? Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *smiles* and Stay Tuned for the next update *Lots of love* *hugs and kisses*