The reception was in the same hall as the wedding. Haider walked into the hall with Amaal by his side and having her arm looped with his hand. But her attention was with Reyansh as the two talked and walked together.

How much will they talk? Their talks never end- Haider rolled his eyes at them.

Annoyed, many times, he took quick steps dragging Amaal with him but Reyansh always caught up.

Inside the reception hall, the stage was decorated differently. The bride and groom were already present on stage, meeting, and greeting the guests. Haider looked at Alina, she was dressed in a lime yellow sequin chiffon saree and white sleeveless blouse. This time the jewelry wasn't as heavy as the bridal. A simple diamond necklace and white gold chandbali. Mikael was beside her wearing an ivory tux.

Meera climbed up the stage and engulfed Alina in a tight embrace. Ravi was with her. He shook hands with both Alina and Mikael. Since he was a new addition to their equation, he was a little reserved. Meera teased Alina under her breath. She blushed avoiding looking at her friend. Mikael nudged her arm, raising his eyebrows at her, a teasing smile on his lips.

Alina looked away, her smile faded upon seeing Haider and Amaal climbing on the stage. Haider glanced at her; their gaze locked. Alina gulped softly, recollecting their time together. Whatever they shared, wasn't love but it was special. She noticed, Haider had his arm looped with Amaal and she had a bright smile plastered on her face. Alina was relieved to see that she was happy with him.

Haider extended his hand to Mikael, - 'Congratulations, Mr. Jaffery.' He said in a dry tone. He didn't know what Mikael was thinking but he was reminded of the night of his engagement with Alina. So much has changed since then. It was him with Alina that time and now, she is with the very person he wanted to keep her away from. Slowly, Haider averted his gaze and looked at Alina.

'Congratulations, Miss. Alina.' He said, keeping an unfazed gaze on her, but words seemed to come out with great difficulty. She nodded at him and smiled formally, then quickly looked away. Amaal hugged Alina, taking her by surprise, and began to chatter happily. Haider noticed Alina was in a daze. She eyed him for a millisecond, before looking away. Just then, his phone rang, and it was Banerjee.

After twenty-fifteen minutes, Amaal realized Haider was missing. She looked around for him, but he seemed to be lost among the sea of people. Reyansh enquired if everything was okay and she absents mindlessly replied to him, then hurriedly climbed down the stage. Fanatically, she searched for her husband. Finally, she stopped when she saw Haider standing some distance from her. His back faced her as he was busy on a call. She hurried to him and gently placed a palm on his shoulder.

Haider turned around looked at her and gestured for five minutes. She folded her arms and waited. After he disconnected the call, he looked at her.

'Amaal.'- he held her cheek, - 'I have got to go. There is a conference call I need to attend.' He informed and she sighed exasperatedly in response.

'Always work.' She pouted.

Haider was disappointed to see her upset but was glad to leave the function. Nevertheless, he didn't show any emotion on his face.

He caressed her cheek, - 'Forgive me, sweetheart. But this is important.' He said and noticed Amaal's face lit up.

'Say it again.' She demanded.

Haider frowned, recollected his words, and then smiled, - 'Sweetheart.' He smirked at her and she shied looking away. Then, he held her hand, - 'I promise I will make it up to you in the night.' – he winked at her and she nodded shyly, - 'By the way, how will you return home? Shall I keep Gopi here for you?' He thought out loud.

Amaal held his shoulder and patted him gently, - 'Don't worry. Reyansh will drop me.' Then, she kissed his cheek. Haider smiled at her and they shared a brief hug.

Later that night, after the conference call Haider groomed his beard, waxed his chest, and bathed in a perfumed bubble bath. Then, he dressed in Tee and track pants. After applying perfume, he combed his wavy mane. Finally, he glanced at the clock and noted the time to be around twelve. Haider paused for a minute, before leaving the room. He looked around in the storeroom and took out new bedsheets. Then, he neatly changed the sheets and arranged the pillows and duvet. Then, he began to wait.

Time passed and he grew worried. Many times, he dialed Amaal's number, but it was unreachable and that only increased his worry. He constantly reminded himself that she was in safe hands, she was with her brother and Rakhi Brother. Some more painfully long hours later, Haider was alerted by the sound of a car entering his driveway. Quickly, he rushed towards the main door. He squinted his eyes as the headlights of the car flashed before him.

He let out a sigh of relief watching Amaal getting down the car. She waved to someone inside and then turned to face Haider. He hurried to her and held her arms.

'I was so worried about you.' He looked keenly at her.

Amaal chuckled, - 'I was at my brother's reception, not in a forest.' She said in a lighthearted tone. Haider was slightly offended because she took his concern very lightly. She leaned and sniffed him.

'Wow, you are smelling awesome.' She complimented him. Haider felt his annoyance wash away.

'I am so tired.' Amaal whined, massaging her nape as they walked into the room. Haider slipped his arm around her waist and leaned against her ear.

'Let me help you feel better.' He whispered, caressing her cheek with his nose. She cowered and looked at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

'It's three in the night.' She bit her grin. Haider laughed, leading her towards the bathroom.

'That is no excuse.' He urged her into the bathroom. Amaal kept grinning. 

Someone has made so much effort and someone is in the mood,

How was the Chapter, my lovelies? Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *smiles* and Stay Tuned for the next update *the interesting part*