Haider entered the room and stopped in his tracks upon spotting Amaal on the floor with her legs folded. Her eyes glued to the TV. He glanced at the TV; she was watching a movie. He cleared his throat and sat on the bed beside her. Amaal looked at him from the corner of her eyes but avoided him. He knew she was upset, and rightly so.

Haider hesitated, - 'Um, what are you watching?' He enquired in a wavering tone.

'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.' She replied dryly without sparing a glance at him. Reflexively, a small smile appeared on his lips.

'Look, Amaal—I am so—' -he gulped, - 'sor—' he clenched his fist, - 'Sorr—so—'

Amaal turned, placing her arm on the lower bunker, - 'I will accept your apology only if you help me.' She blinked at him.

Haider nodded, shifting closer to her, - 'Of course.'

'You have to play Kajol from this movie. And I will be SRK.' She said in excitement. Haider looked at with horrified expressions plastered on his face. The color instantly drained from his face, but his ears turned red.

'What?' – He stood up, Amaal's head shot up, - 'are you mental? I—'

'Why? Playing a feminine character will make you a lesser of a man?' Amaal spoke in a calm manner, her right eyebrow arched from the corner. Haider scoffed placing his hands on his hips. She paused the movie and stood up, bouncing on her feet, - 'Besides it's just a five-minute scene and that too for the kids.' She revealed.

'You have gone mad, really? You expect me to make a fool of myself in front of the entire mansion?' He gestured with his arms. Amaal twisted her lips, folding her arms.

'You won't make a fool of yourself. I am SRK, na.' – she patted his shoulder, - 'I will cover up your errors. That is why I am watching the movie,' – She held his hand and dragged him in front of the TV, she made him sit on the floor with her.

Haider protested but she held his wrist tightly and glared at him, - 'you want me to forgive you, right? Then.' She pointed at his eyes and then at the screen. He was aghast to know the scene she was talking about was an awkward romantic scene in the rain.

Amaal pressed her nail between her teeth, leaning forward with an arm around her waist, - 'I don't have a red saree. What will you wear?' She spoke to herself with her eyes glued to the TV. Haider looked sharply at her.

'No, No.' He waved his arms and stood up. Amaal flinched and looked at him again. Before she could say anything, he dashed out of the room.

Later in the evening, Haider stepped out in the courtyard. The kids and the elderly were gathered as usual. He noticed there was a small wooden stage with purple neon lighting. Guessing by the color, he knew it must be Amaal's idea. Noori came to him and asked if everything was okay. He was taken aback and straightened, in his place - 'Yes, what happened?' He asked. Noori looked around and wondered out loud about Amaal. Haider had seen her in their room, sleeping, before he had left.

From distance, he could hear curious kids voicing their thoughts, whilst the elderlies were confused and concerned. Haider looked back at Noori and asked her to relax while he will check on Amaal. Then, he hurriedly walked towards the room. This time, by instinct, he didn't take a wrong turn but reached his destination quickly.

Haider opened the door and walked in. The room was empty but the door to the balcony was open. He noticed Amaal standing by the railing, her back faced him. He let out a breath and strode towards her.

'What are you doing here? Everyone is waiting for y—'

'What do you want me to do there?' Amaal spoke with her back still facing him. Haider stopped in his tracks. She sighed, - 'I have promised a skit but how can I perform without—' she sniffled, and he realized she was crying. He raised and dropped his shoulders and slowly dragged his feet towards her.

'Listen—'

'One thing I requested for—' she let out a sob moving away from him, hiding her crying face.

Haider let out a breath, - 'Okay.' He hesitantly agreed.

'Wow, really.' Amaal jumped on the spot turning to face him. She grinned from ear to ear. He gaped at her. Without any warning, in lighting speed, she grabbed his wrist and dragged him inside the room. She kept excitedly blabbering as she talked about what they will be doing.

'I couldn't get a red saree. Phoupo is refusing to give her saree. So, I got this dupatta.' She stuffed it on his face, - 'Just wrap around yourself and-- do you know what to do? I have—' she turned to TV and switched it on, - 'I have kept the scene paused, you can wat—' she played the stilled video, - 'ch.' Haider kept looking at her, she held his cheeks and turned his face towards the TV screen.

As Haider and Amaal hurried through the corridor, Noori called to check on them. Amaal kept talking to her and held his hand again. He huffed, getting mini-heart attacks, on the way as she literally glided with him.

Amaal slowed as they approached Noori, Haider was taken by surprise and almost hit her back.

'We are here.' She gushed breathlessly. He was speechless and struggling to breathe. Noori pressed her lips and placed a hand on her hip.

Haider was relieved when Amaal passed him a water-bottle. He grabbed the bottle and gulped down the water in one go. The water over-flowed, wetting his Tee, but he ignored that and her warnings. After drinking water, he felt like life coming back to him. Amaal slapped her forehead, then she passed him the dupatta. Haider looked cluelessly at it. She snatched the bottle from his grip and pulled him by his hand. He gasped.

Amaal tugged the helm of the dupatta in his jeans, wrapped it around his waist, and threw the remaining on his shoulder. Haider looked helplessly at Noori, she simply shrugged at him.

'Okay, you remember the scene. Haina. For Allah's sake don't ruin this.' She threatened him in a milder tone. Having no option, he nodded. 

Haider felt silly walking on the stage. In his mind, he thought he should run away. Instead, he stood facing Amaal who stood at the other end of the stage. She was dressed in a black shirt tugged out of a washout jean. He flinched upon hearing loud cheers of everyone and glanced nervously at the crowd. Amaal clapped getting everyone's attention. There was a tsunami of loud cheers. She looked at Haider and gestured with her fingers to focus on her. He gulped hard and nodded.

Amaal kneeled on one knee and stuck out a hand. Haider froze and found his neck muscle to be nonresponsive. She urged him with her fingers. Slowly, he moved his neck sideways. She glared at him, wavering on her knee but quickly regained her balance. Haider brought his fingers to his ear and shook his head. Amaal smiled and played an imaginary piano with her slim, long fingers. Haider pressed his lips looking unblinkingly at her. She jumped on her feet and extended her hand. Slowly, he took her hand and she pulled him to her. Haider realized that not only he, but both were looking dumb, right now. Luckily, Amaal was just a few, about three to four inches, shorter than him. He was taken aback when she twirled him around and brought her lips to his ear. He shivered, feeling her breath, - 'Stay still. You are doing well.' She encouraged him. She had hoped he will be motivated but he felt nothing. He lost balance as she twirled him, and his ankle hit hers and they tripped.

There was a collective gasp from the crowd. Haider fell on his back and Amaal fell over him. She felt light as a feather. His hands gently rested on her back and she had her hands resting on either side of him, her palm firmly pressed to the ground.

'Ya Allah! Uff.' Amaal winced massaging her wrist. There was pin-drop silence for a minute and then a roar of cheers and clapping. Haider and Amaal got distracted and looked at the crowd cheering at them. She jumped up and Haider wondered if she had springs attached the sole of her feet. She faced the crowd and waved her arms enthusiastically at them.

Slowly, Haider gathered himself and leaned against his elbow, then sat up patting his palms together.

Amaal hurried to him and held his shoulder.

'Are you hurt?' She inquired, pushing behind her long bangs. He nodded and looked sharply at her,

'I am not doing this again, ever.' He said seriously and she hurriedly nodded, not paying much heed, and helped him to stand. Haider stood up and immediately tore away the dupatta and threw it on the floor. Then, he raised his head and looked at the smiling faces and excited kids. His embarrassment replaced with relief. He placed his hands on his hips and let out a small breath.

Soon, everything settled and Amaal sat on the marble of the fountain, playing her wooden guitar. Some kids and elders listened to her while some others minded their own business. Haider leaned against one of the pillars of the courtyard and enjoyed the music while sipping a hot cup of black tea.

He was sidetracked by a meek voice and tug on his sleeves. He glanced down to find the same elderly man from the morning calling him, - 'Son. Haider?'

Haider looked at him, into his eyes and nodded, - 'Yes.' He replied.

A slow shaky smile appeared on his lips and he nodded happily, - 'Do you remember me, boy?' His eyes shone with excitement. Haider hesitated, slowly shaking his head. He felt embarrassed.

'I am Joy D'Souza, Haider boy. Remember your father Minhas's university friend and your Uncle Joy.' He tugged his hand making him kneel beside his chair. Haider looked at him closely and realization dawned upon him.

'Oh my God! Uncle Joy.How—are—you?' He could barely contain his happiness. In this new and unknowncity, he found someone who was close to him. Uncle Joy smiled as he pattedHaider's hand. Then, he suggested they find a secluded corner where they canreminiscence their forgotten time.

Iconic scene ka aisi taisi kar diya *facepalm*

How was the Chapter, guys * I hope it wasn't too long* Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *smiles* and Stay tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*