"To truly understand ourselves, we must navigate the labyrinth of our emotions, embracing both the light and the shadows."

~ Unknown

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As the boys entered the bustling mall, they found themselves surrounded by a sea of shoppers, each store boasting its own array of tempting offerings. Haya, Tara and Jasmine eagerly involved in the shopping experience, scanning racks of clothes and shelves of accessories with enthusiasm. However, one person stood apart from the group—Amira.

Amira, lost in her own thoughts, trailed behind the others as they moved from one store to another. The boys noticed her reluctance to participate in the shopping spree. Raiyyan couldn't resist making a teasing remark, "Amira, aren't you interested in anything? This mall has everything you could think of."

"We told her. She isn't even seeing anything!" Haya scoffed. Amira managed a faint smile but remained silent, her eyes wandering aimlessly across the vibrant displays. Ali observed her from a distance, sensing a discomfort that transcended the usual shopping aversion.

Samad, noticing Amira's disengagement, approached her with a warm smile. "Amira, come on! Let's find something nice for you. You can't be left out. You're the one who actually needs new dresses."

"I'm okay, really. I don't need anything," Amira replied, trying to deflect their attention.

Zain, ever perceptive, studied Amira's demeanor and gently prodded, "Amira, are you sure? There's no harm in treating yourself."

"But I do not need anything!"

"Zain, leave her. She's not gonna pick anything. We asked her 10 times or more already," Tara said. She had a handful of dresses.

"Exactly. So we're only picking for her. And Amira dare you deny. Try these on!" Jasmine joined before any of the boys said anything. Amira nodded lightly, knowing arguing would be a waste. Ali was a silent observant. The boys joined in with the girls. Ali and Amira were the only ones not looking. Raiyyan felt like breaking Ali's head after seeing this. The girls took over 4 cabins and tried all on. Haya, Tara and Jasmine showed it to their husbands, while Amira was wearing it for herself.

"Ali, don't you wanna check if Amira needs any help?" Samad reminded him after she did not come for 15 minutes. Ali sighed and stood up, when she came outside with the pile of dresses.

"Found some?" Ali asked her while she nodded no.

"I don't need any. Really," Amira said while keeping them. Ali looked at her.

"Bhai and Bhabhi threw all your old dresses. So quietly pick some or I will!" Ali warned her. Raiyyan palmed his face while Amira nodded lightly. She kept a few dresses. Ali saw that she picked the simple ones, who were cheaper. He took them and kept all of them aside. Amira sighed, thinking he's not taking them. Insisted, he took her arm and went away.

He saw that the girls had already picked almost all kinds of dresses. He took a few more. As Ali observed the selection made for her, he decided to add a touch of vibrancy to her choices. He made his way towards the saree section.

"I can't try on so many dresses. I don't need so many either," Amira, sensing his intentions, attempted to dissuade him, but Ali was determined to bring a burst of colors into her wardrobe. "You won't need to try them either."

Ignoring Amira's protests, Ali started picking sarees in every shade imaginable—vibrant reds, soothing blues, elegant greens, and everything in between. The pile of sarees grew, and Amira found herself caught between laughter and disbelief. The others, watching the spectacle unfold, couldn't help but chuckle at Ali's deed.

Haya, with a playful grin, commented, "Ali, are you redecorating the entire store or just Amira's closet?"

Ali, still engrossed in his mission, ignored her completely. Raiyyan chimed in, "Remember how stunned he was the first time Amira wore a saree?"

"That saree which he practically stopped us from taking away?" Jasmine asked to which Haya nodded. They looked at them. Finally, he settled on a magnificent collection of nearly fifty sarees, showcasing his determination to add diversity to Amira's wardrobe.

"Ali, this is too much. I can't possibly wear all of these," Amira protested. "Please keep them back!"

Ali ignored her concern and tried to reassure her, "You don't have to. But having options is never a bad thing."

The shopping expedition continued with shoes, jewelry, and a delightful lunch. As the day unfolded, the group completed their purchases, each couple finding joy in selecting items for one another.

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As they reached home, they all sat there exhausted.

"You all took a pretty long time. Everything alright?" Ayesha asked, slightly worried.

"Mom, Ali was just bothered that Amira doesn't have any dresses, etc! So we just went shopping," Samad said while taking the water glass. Aabid was shocked and so was Ayesha.

Ayesha took Ali aside as the others settled in. Ayesha's eyes softened as she studied her son. She saw a glimpse of sincerity in his actions, a side of him that she hadn't seen in a long time. It was a reminder of the caring and compassionate Ali she knew.

"Ali, I understand this might not be easy for you, but I've noticed something. I've seen a certain level of affection in your eyes for Amira. I know the circumstances of this marriage were not ideal, and I can't blame you for feeling the way you do. But she's a person, a very nice person. Give this a sincere chance, son," Ayesha urged, her words carrying a mother's wisdom.

Ali looked at his mother, conflicted emotions evident in his eyes. Ayesha continued, "I don't hate Amira. In fact, I admire her just as much as I would any other person. It's just that I hate that she was forced into your life. But sometimes, fate has its own plans, and we have to make the best of them. I have seen your concern and change of emotions in recent days. Deny it as much as you want, but you have changed."

She placed a hand on Ali's shoulder, her touch conveying both support and understanding. "Don't let the circumstances dictate everything. Give her a sincere chance, Ali. You might be surprised at what you find. I hope the thought of divorce has vanished by now. You need her, and maybe she needs you as well."

With those words, Ayesha left Ali to ponder the depth of her advice. The journey ahead was uncertain, but the spark of possibility lingered in the air, and Ayesha hoped that her son would find the courage to explore it.

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In the dimly lit room, Ali and Amira stood, surrounded by the bags of newly acquired possessions. The air held a mixture of tension and expectation, as if the room itself was waiting for something to unfold. Ali, still processing his mother's words, looked at Amira with a contemplative expression.

Amira, sensing the weight of the silence, decided to break it. "I appreciate what you did today. It was unexpected, but thank you very much," she said, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. She was looking towards the floor.

Ali nodded, his gaze shifting between the bags and Amira. "You don't need to thank me. It's just... practical," he replied, attempting to downplay the significance of his actions.

Amira, however, saw through his facade. "Practical or not, it means a lot to me. It's the most someone has ever done to me. I didn't expect you to care," she admitted, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.

There was a pause before Ali spoke, his words measured. "Amira, about what happened yesterday with Asif and Faisal..."

Amira's eyes flickered with a mixture of fear and anticipation. She braced herself for what he might say.

Ali continued, choosing his words carefully, "I don't want anyone to threaten you or make you uncomfortable. This room is your safe space. No one enters without your permission, including them. Your eyes showed how scared you are of them. And I hope that one day,you will tell me why."

Amira was taken aback by the unexpected declaration. She looked at Ali, trying to measure the sincerity in his eyes. For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath as they exchanged unspoken sentiments.

"I appreciate that," Amira finally said, breaking the silence. "But Ali, I am not expecting anything from you. I understand the circumstances, and I don't want to impose."

Ali met her gaze, a complexity of emotions swirling in his eyes. "I know. I am not expecting anything from you either."

Amira's eyes widened in surprise. His words held a weight that transcended the casualness of their previous conversations. The room, once filled with uncertainty, now became a canvas for the beginning of something new—a hesitant exploration of emotions and possibilities. As they stood in the quiet room, the bags of dresses and the remnants of a transformative day surrounded them. Little did they know that this small step could lead to a journey of self-discovery and unforeseen connections. They both lied down, all ready to sleep.

"And I am sorry for not listening to you, But you looked gorgeous in that saree. I am sure you will look beautiful in these as well! And if you're fine, I would love it if you wear them at home and whenever we're together. In university you can wear the other ones!" Amira was again surprised. She thanked him. He slept, while she took her diary.

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Diary Entry - [14.09.23]

Dear Diary,

Today dawned with a surreal twist, a blend of warmth and uncertainty that left me questioning the very fabric of my reality.

Morning light filtered through the curtains, and I found myself waking up in Ali's embrace. The lines between dream and reality blurred as the realization struck that we had spent the night in each other's arms. Taken aback, I couldn't help but wonder how I'd allowed this to happen. The vulnerability of the moment tugged at the walls I had carefully built around myself.

Breakfast followed, a regular yet strangely intimate affair. Ali's presence felt both comforting and unsettling. I tried to convince myself that these moments were transient, that our lives would soon revert to their separate paths. Yet, an invisible thread seemed to weave through the air, connecting us in a way I hadn't anticipated.

The day unfolded into a shopping spree organized by Ali. My attempts to resist his insistence on filling my wardrobe were met with genuine concern. As he chose sarees in all colors, memories of the first time he saw me in one flooded my mind. I felt everyone saying one or the other thing. They were observing us. At first, I thought they were mocking me since I would be wearing the sarees. But then I realized that they were teasing Ali. The laughter, the teasing, the unity of the group—it all felt like a dream, a beautiful illusion I feared might shatter.

In our room later, Ali's protective demeanor surfaced again. The declaration that this room was my safe space resonated with a sincerity that both comforted and bewildered me. I wonder how he talked so calmly with me. Is Samad bhai right? Are things changing? The complexity of the connection with Ali, the uncertainty of the future, and the echoes of a past I sought to escape—they all converged in a tumultuous storm within me. I was stunned when he complimented me about the saree and asked me to wear it more often. I don't know but my hopes are raising with every day.

Tonight, as I pen down these thoughts, I find myself standing at the crossroads of familiarity and the unknown. I hope that life changes for me. I am sick of what is going on in mine.

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