*2 Months Later*

(At night)

(Two people were sitting on a beach, waves washing over their feet. Both the guy and girl were vibing under the moonlight, enjoying each other's company. Veer and Bani.

For the past month, they had been in Goa, working on a collaboration project. They spend a lot of time together. All this time together had taken their love, respect, and care for each other to a greater height.

They would return to Mumbai tomorrow as their wedding rituals and functions would begin.)

Bani-Waqt kitna jaldi beet jata hein na Veer.

Veer - Hmm.. (He says looking at her, tucking her hair behind her ear.)

Bani- Isn't that supposed to be scary...I mean aap ek lamha jee rahein hein aur aapko pata hein ki woh toh khatam hoga hi?

Veer- Sweetheart, lamha hi kyun hum toh ye bhi jante hein ki ye zindagi bhi ek din khatam hogi hi. Pata nahi chalta aur puri ummrr nikal jati hein par iska matlab ye toh nahi ki hum usse jeena chod denge. Badi ho ya choti, zaroor hein ki woh Haseen honi chahiye, apanon ka sath hona chahiye aur ek pyar karne wala humsafar. Waise hi agar hum har ek lamhe ko khul kar jeena chahiye. Kal ka soch soch kar, hum aaj ko spoil kyun kare?

Bani- Baat toh sahi hei.. Tum kafi smart hogaye ho...Kis ki company ka asar hein?

Veer-Hein ek Beyhad khubsurat,
samajhdar. Pyari aur thodi si gussel ladki. (He smiles)

Bani-Accha ji... (she smiles) Kabhi humein bhi milwayiga phir toh.

Veer - Haan sweetheart, kyun nahi... Infact abhi hi dikh wa deta hu tumhe.

Bani-Accha

(Veer unlocks his phone and shows it to Bani.)

Veer - Ye dekho.. (Hands the phone to Bani)

(Bani takes the phone and sees that he had opened the front camera and given it to her. She smiles.)

Bani- Ye ladki!?

Veer - Haan, koi problem hein?

Bani- Tumhare description ke sath mel nahi khati hein.

Veer- Excuse me.. Meri sweetheart ko judge karne ka haq main kisi ko bhi nahi deta.. Tumhe bhi nahi.Aur waise bhi sab kuch toh hein.. Khubsurat hein, check. Samjhdar hein, double-check.

Pyari hein woh bhi check amd thodi si gussel hein woh bhi.

(He says touching her nose with his finger.)

Bani smiles.

Veer - Accha waise sweetheart, hum lamhon ki baat kar hi rahe hein..toh don't you think we should make most out of this moment. (He says leaning towards her)

Bani-(putting her hand on his lips) Tum phir shuru hogaye...

Veer - Hayee... Iss naachiz ke jazaabaton ki kadar hi nahi hein kisi ko...

(He says putting his hand on his heart, making a sad expression).

Bani(mutters) - Pagal...

Veer - Kuch kaha tumne?

Bani- Kuch suna tumne?

Veer - Typical Bani Sharma.

Veer - Actually you know what... Abb main tumhe kiss nahi karunga.. Kyunki kal humare sangeet main tum sab ke samne mujhe khud kiss karogi.

Bani- Dekho Veer, dog ko pallo, billi ko bhi pal lo par please apni ye galatfahami mat paalo.

Veer - Toh phir thik hein...ye raha mera Challenge!

Bani-Accepted, though tum harne wale ho.

Veer - Dekhte hein (he winks)

They get up and start moving. Veer was a step ahead of Bani and suddenly bani calls him out.

Bani-Veer...

As veer turns bani splashes water on him.

Veer- Ohhoo...sweetheart...galat insaan se panga liya hein tumne.

(Veer starts splashing water on Bani and she does the same. They both giggle and laugh together. Bani takes a step back and falls into the water, completely drenching herself. Veer goes to help her out but Bani pulls him into the water and starts laughing. Veer is lost, admiring the smile on her face. Her smile, something that he wanted to last forever, something he would long forever.)

Veer - Abb chale sweetheart? (he says with a smile) Warna tumhein sardi lag jayegi.

Bani-Okay chalo.

(She leaves for her room and Veer follows her. As they reach the room, Bani notices that water was dripping from the AC and the floor was spilled everywhere, making it slippery and dangerous to walk in, since there were a lot of electrical appliances there.)

Bani- Veer...Ye...

Veer - Main baat karta hu resort ke staff se...

The staff comes and sees bani's room.

Staff-Madam...Ye kal subah se pehele thik nahi ho payega. Sorry for the inconvenience.

(Staff leaves.)

Veer - Sweetheart, tum mere room main chalo...

Bani-Nahi Veer...I will manage.

(She was shivering)

Veer - Dikh raha hein woh mujhe...thand se kaap rahin ho...abb chalo mere sath warna...

Bani-Warna kya?

Veer -(picking her up in his arms) Warna tumhe god main utha kar le jaunga.

Bani-Veer...kya kar rahe ho...sab dekh rahe hein.

Veer-Toh kya hua... Kuch toh log kahenge logon ka kaam hein kehena.. Aur waise bhi apni fiancee, apni sweetheart ko thama hein toh sharam kaisi.

Veer gets bani in his room and drops her.

Bani-Pagal ho tum ekdum.

Veer - Aap hi ke pyar mein madam (he winks)

Bani- Veer, ek problem hein!

Veer- kya?

Bani- Mere kapde...Woh toh mere room main hi hein...Toh phir main change kaise...?

Veer - (taking off his shirt)

Bani - Kya kar rahe ho veer.

Veer-Relax sweetheart... Ye raha tumhare problem ka solution (he gives her his black shirt)

Bani- Par ye...

Veer-Filhal toh yehi best option hein... Aur waise bhi... My clothes suit more on you (he says kissing her cheek)

(Bani goes to the washroom. She starts changing. The washroom's door was slightly open and Veer could see Bani in the mirror outside. For a second he looks at her reflection, his heart beating rapidly, but then...he lowers his gaze.

(A/N: Always a gentleman you see )

(Bani comes out of the washroom and goes to bed. Veer picks up a pillow and moves towards the couch.)

Bani- Veer...

Veer - Haan sweetheart?

Bani-Veer tum yahaann... I mean tum yahan reh sakte ho.

Veer- Main yehi toh hu sweetheart.

Bani- I mean tum yahan bed par so sakte ho...(she looks downward shyly) The bed's big and I think we can adjust.

Veer - Okay sweetheart.

(Veer approaches and lies down on the bed. Both of them were sleeping in an attention position, trying to avoid eye contact. Bani then turns to the other side. Veer also turns to her side and pulls her closer, embracing her in his arms.)

Bani-Veer...

Veer - Hmm...?

Bani- Mujhse aese sona nahi ho paayega... (She says controlling her rapidly beating heart.)

Veer- Sona nahi hoga ya control nahi hoga sweetheart? (He says with a smirk)

Bani-Veer...! (She hits his arm)

(Veer chuckles and Bani turns towards his side.)

Veer - I love you sweetheart.

Bani- I love you too Veer. (she says kissing his forehead)

Veer-Waise aadat dal lo sweetheart kyunki kuch dino ke baad ke baad humein har ek raat ek dusre ke sath hi bitani hein.

Bani-Tum na ekdum besharam ho(she says turning red )

(They both cuddle and fall asleep.)

***
*Next day*

(Veer and Bani reach the farmhouse where the wedding was planned. They get inside.)

Ruqsar- Toh samjh gaye dono...? Aaj sangeet ke baad tum dono seedha nikkah wale din ek dusre ko dekhoge.

Haider - Kya Ammii...ye toh nainsaafi hein.

Ruqsar - Kuch kahan tumne?

Haider - Nahi Ammi.

(Meera chuckles)

Ruqsar - Main jakar baaki arrangements karti hoon.

Meera - Ammii aapko ye sab karne ki koi zarurat nahi hein.

Ruqsar - Zarorat ki baat nahi hein bacha...Main khud ye sab karna chhati hu. Samjhi?

(Meera nods and smiles. Ruqsar leaves.)

Haider - Aapne kuch kyun nahi ka
ha?

Meera - Mujhe kya kehena tha?

Haider - Yehi ki hum nikkah tak ek dusre se dur kaise rahenge.

Meera -(chuckles) Bas 48 ghante ka sawaal hein Haider.

Haider - (pulling her closer) Yahaan aapke bina ek pal nahi raha ja raha aur aap 48 ghante ki baat kar rahe hein...

Meera - Hayee! Mere hone wale shauhar ka shayarana andaaz nikal hi aaya... Aap shayar toh matlab kuch bhi beautify kar sakte hein. Hai na?! (She chuckles)

Haider - Abb kya kare...Lamhon ko khubsurat banana hum shayaro ka pesha hein, khambhakt kehar toh ye duniya dhati hein.

Meera- Ufff...

(He moves closer to her.)

Veer - Waah...Waah...Kya baat hein bhai.

(Meera and Haider move apart hearing his voice.)

Bani- Ohho...Veer tum bhi na...Lagta hein humne love birds ko disturb kar diya.

Veer - Koi nahi hum Goa ka ek aur trip lekar aate heinn...

Haider- Accha mere dramebazz.. Abb bas!

(They laugh)

Meera - Missed you Bani.

Bani- Missed you too yaar.

Haider - Waise tum dono ke liye humare pass ek surprise hein!

Veer - Surprise...Batau batau...

Haider - Batana...yun dikha deta hu..Guys!

(That's when Akash, Payal, Aman, and Lavanya come out.)

Veer - Heyyy guyss!!

Bani- Kaise ho tum sab?!

Lavanya - Bohot badhiya!

Veer - Par tum sab yahaan?

Aman- Sir, aap toh jaante hein ki meri timing kitni perfect hoti hein...Abb toh aapki shaadi ki baat thi...toh aana toh banta tha!

Veer- Sure! Kyun nahi.

(They all laugh.)

Akash - Waise humein bhi kuch batana heinn... (Akash says holding Payal as she blushes.) Meera- Haan bolo na Akash.

Akash- Payal aur mein, mom dad banne wale hein. (He says with a smile)

Bani- Omggg!! Congratulations guys!

Meera - So happy for you! (she says hugging Payal )

(All of them congratulate the couple. They all were in a happy and joyous mood... but how long would it last? Wedding bells were heard but caution tapes were still tangled around their arms.)

*In evening*

(Bani gets ready and comes out of her room and that's when she collides with someone.)

He was dressed in a black kurta with red straps on his sleeves. Veer.)

Veer also looks at Bani looking absolutely mesmerizing in her gorgeously embroidered red lehenga.

Veer- Kya Bani! Aur kitna girogi mere pyar mein...

(Bani rolls her eyes.)

Veer- Waise tum aaj behad khubsurat lag rahi ho...

Bani- I know! (she flips her hair)

Veer - Kya baat hein aaj bade fiesty mood main lag rahi ho.

Bani- Woh kya hein na ki main apne opponent se aese hi baat kar ti hu.

Veer- Ohho ho so the bet is still on I see.

Bani- Obviously! And you are destined to lose meri jaan.

Veer - Let's see Sweetheart! (he winks)

(Meera also comes out of her room dressed in a red lehenga, looking stunning as always. As she starts leaving, somebody pulls her to the corner of the wall.)

Meera- Ahh...

Haider - Shh...Meera main hu.

Meera- Aese kon kheechta hein Haider.. Aapne toh mujhe dara hi diya...

Haider - Subah aapne mujhe kya bulaya tha?

Meera - Kya bulaya tha? (She says, pretending to not understand what he meant.)

Haider - Jab maine aapko shayari sunai thi...tab.

Meera - Tab... (acts as if thinking) Yaad aagaya! Shayar bulaya tha!

Haider - Nahi usse pehle kya kaha tha?

Meera - Usse pehele... Haan main hayee kahaan tha.. Wakai kya likhte hein aap Haider.

Haider- Hayee aur shayer ke beech mein. .

Meera- Beech mein.. Mujhe toh kuch yaad nahi aa raha hein.

Haider - Accha ji.. (Pulling her closer by holding her waist) Main kuch madad karu (he says leaning towards her)

Aman- Kaisi madad?

(Haider and Meera pull apart )

Haider - Aman... (he says giving a fake smile) Kam se kam climax main toh sahi timing par aa jata.

Aman - Matlab?

Meera - Matlab kuch nahi Aman. (she laughs) Batao kya baat hein?

Aman - Sab neeche aapki raah dekh rahe hein... Aap aaiye main chalta hu...

Meera - Chaliye. (she tells Haider)

Haider - Zaruri hein? (he says moving closer to her)

Meera - Haider bas kuch din aur...Uske baad...

Haider - Uske baad kya?

Meera - Uske baad... Woh...

Haider - Haan haan keh dijiye ki aap kitni keen hein...iss jism ko dekhne ke liye.

Meera - Haider! Mujhe na aapse baat hi nahi karni hein. (She says turning red and Haider chuckles)

Oh Kithe Chale
Kalle Kalle Kalle Kalle

(Haira and Vani come down. The whole mood was set. The decorations were gorgeous and the entire place felt nothing short of the wedding vibe.)
The music plays.

Ho Lucky Teri Surmedani
Lucky Teri Heel Goriye
Lucky Teri Kurti Yellow
Laindi Jehdi Feel Goriye

(Akash and Payal start dancing to the beat of the music. He pulls her closer, making sure she is comfortable. They both groove with the music. Akash had always felt that Payal was his destiny and everything which she embraced was beautiful. Now she had given him the best gift of his life. Their baby.)

(Everybody cheers for the duo.)

Paagal Aashiq Lag Gaya Piche
Main Toh Mar Gayi Yaar
Main Toh Mar Gayi Yaar

(Aman and Lavanya walk onto the dance floor and start dancing. They indeed were a very cute couple who were growing together and learning together.)
(Their cute banters were loved by all.)

Oh Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar
Bharke Aankho Mein Khumar
Jadu Nagri Se Aaya Hai Koyi Jadugar

(After they walk off the dance floor, the next couple enters. Shivaay and Anika.)

(Everybody is surprised to see them there. Bani and Meera smile looking at each other. This was indeed a very pleasant surprise.)

(Anika and Shivaay sway with the music. They were indeed an example of a perfect couple, very different from each other yet perfect in their own way.)

Mohabbat Haaye Mohabbat
Haaye Haaye Haaye
Tere Se Hi Karti Hoon

(Next, Saie and Virat come on the stage. Meera and Haider look at each other, completely surprised. They think about Dahanu and how these two had literally played cupid to get them together.)

(They also see Manoramaji and Savitriji smiling at them from a distance.

Manoramaji was the one who somewhere brought them together and they were very thankful to her and their destiny. Savitri's smile reflected how happy she was for them.)

Zinda Hoon Zinda Hoon
Kyunki Tere Pe Main Marti Hoon
Zinda Hoon Zinda Hoon
Kyunki Tere Pe Main Marti Hoon

(Next, Tapish and Misha come onto the dance floor catching Veer and Bani off-guard. They had told them that they couldn't attend the events as Tapish was busy with some work but turns out it was all for a surprise.)

(They both even look at choti dadi who had arrived. She also looked very happy and content.

Both Veer and Bani were happy witnessing her change of heart.)

Oh Karta Tu Ik Ehsaan Goriye
Chakk Chakk Gabru Di Jaan Goriye
Karta Tu Ik Ehsaan Goriye Aa Chakk Gabru Di..

(Payal and Akash then pull Meera and Haider onto the dance floor. Both of them dance wholeheartedly, enjoying each other and their family's company. They danced like there was no tomorrow, smiling and giggling, enjoying every bit of this beautiful moment.)

Do Naino Se Nain Mile Jo
Ho Gaye Do Se Char

(They even pull Balwant and Rakesh onto the dance floor. Both of them dance in the iconic govinda and Mithun styles. Everybody looks at both of them dancing like Jay and Veeru and chuckle. Ruqsar also grooves a bit with the music giving major Rekha vibes.)

Oh Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar
Bharke Aankho Mein Khumar
Jadu Nagri Se Aaya Hai Koyi Jadugar

Finally, Aman and Lavanya even pull Veer and Bani onto the dance floor. They dance enthusiastically, cherishing the moment. This was indeed one of the best moments of their lives, something which would have a place in their hearts forever.)

(The music stops and everybody hoots. They were all one big happy family.)

Meera - Thank You so much, guys! You don't know how happy we are!

Haider - Bilkul! Aesa lagta hein maano hamari zindagi ki kahani ko aap sab ne hi pura kiya hein.

(A/N: And also mere pyare readers ne♡)

Veer - Really guys!! This was amazinggg!! And Ruqsar khala aapki aadayen toh uff!! Abhi bhi time hai, meri shaadi huyi nahi hein...soch lijiye.

Ruqsar- Dhat..Pagal! (she laughs)

Bani- You guys just made our day and a thank you would be an understatement...Trust me.

(Everybody smiles.)

(Bani goes and thanks all the girls, giving a peck on their cheeks.)

Bani- Thank you Lav...Thank you, Payal... Thank you, Anika...

(She continues thanking them by pecking their cheeks and in the flow, she was about to peck the guy who was standing in the row. Our Veer. )

As soon as she leans in, Veer turns a little and their lips touch.)

Everybody - Hawww! (they say putting their hand on their mouths.)

Lavanya - Humne kuch nahi dekha.

Aman - Bilkul bilkul. (they all cover thier eyes.)

(Haira chuckle on seeing them. Everybody leaves with some excuse.)

Bani-Tum! (hitting his shoulder) Cheateer!!!

Veer (with a smirk) - Woh mujhe kisi ne kaha hein...Ki everything is fair in love and war... sweetheart! (he winks)

Bani - Tummmmm! (She turns away, feeling both shy and embarrassed. Veer chuckle at her reaction)

*Next day*

(The whole house was divided into two parts. Ek taraf ladki waale aur dusri taraf ladke wale.)

(The rituals started with everybody putting Haldi on the couple.)

(The girls were still getting ready on the other side and our guys were feeling quite impatient and couldn't control themselves on the fact that they couldn't just yet see their brides to be.

(After the Haldi gets over, they try going to the other side.)

Choti dadi - Kahan chale tum dono?

Veer - Woh dadi...Haider pata nahi kheechke kahan le ja raha tha...

Haider- Main...

Ruqsar - Tum Haider...tumhe kaha tha na Nikkah se pehle ek dusre ko nahi dekhna hein..Toh phir...?

Haider - Ammii wohh...

Veer-Arey khala! (aunty) Mat datiye...hojati hein galati kabhi kabhi.

Ruqsar - Dekha kitna samjhdar bacha hein...kuch seekh isse! (she gently hits Haider's forehead and leaves).

Haider - Accha Bhai...Toh tu samjhdar bacha hein...

(Veer laughs)

Haider -Chant kahinka!

Veer - I wish I could disagree! (he chuckles)

Haider-Acha ye sab chodo...socho abb jaana kaise hein.

Veer- Humein pehele fresh hona padega...kyunki yeh pehenkar nikalne ke bohot kam chances hein...Baki tu mujh par chod de.

(After some time they change and meet.)

Haider - Tune shades kyun lagaya hua hein?

Veer - Taaki koi mujhe pehchane na
Haider - Haha...Joke tha? (he rolls his eyes.)

Veer - Haan! (he laughs) Accha abb sadu shakal mat bana...Toh sun, humein window se jaana padega.

Haider - Window se?

Veer - Haan...Pyar main kabhi kabhi khatro ke khiladi ban na padta hein...Samajha kar! Waise bhi, windows se jump karke andar bahar jaane ki toh phd kari hui hai maine. Abb chal.

***
(Meera and Bani were getting ready. Bani was dressed in a yellow saree and only had to put on her floral jewelry. Meera was ready in a yellow lehenga with her floral pieces of jewelry.

That's when they hear a knock on their window. They look at each other with a confused expression and Meera goes and opens the window.)

(Veer jumps in. She moves back, startled.))

Veer - Hello Bhabhi to be!

Meera - Veer!? Tum yahan?

(Bani immediately turns to the other side)

Bani- Veer!! Shaadi se pehele hum ek dusre ko nahi dekh sakte!

Veer - Sweetheart... (He takes a step forward)

Meera - Main chalti hu...you guys talk.

Veer - Arey tum kaha chali...main tumhare liye bhi gift laya hu. Aaja mere gift!!

Meera - Gift!?

Haider (below the window) - Gift ke bacche! Abb mujhe uthayega bhi...ya marne warne ka iraada hein?

(Veer gives Haider a hand and he gets in. Meera immediately turns.)

Meera - Haider aap bhi! (she facepalms herself) Chaliye mere saath!

(She peeps outside of the door to see if anyone was there and takes Haider to her room.)

Bani - Tum meri ek bhi baat nahi maante Veer! (She says pouting like a child in anger.)

(She was still turned and Veer walk towards her. They both were able to see each other in the mirror.)

Veer - Maine konsi baat nahi mani?

Bani- Na dekhne ki baat.

Veer-Arey, toh main tumhe kaha dekh raha hu? Main toh tumhare aks ko, tumhari reflection ko dekh raha hu...

Bani-Very smart!

Veer - I know! (Hugging her from back, he kisses her cheek)

(He then helps her wear the floral jewelry while she keeps looking at him through the reflection, admiring him.)
***
Next day

The whole house was filled with excitement and there was a smile on everyone's face. The whole house felt alive with chatter as everyone in the house rushed around, carrying different boxes, plates, decorations to finish up wedding preparations. Today Meera and Haider were getting married according to all the Islamic traditions and tomorrow would be Haira and Vani's wedding according to all the Hindu traditions.

Everybody was present there. Meera had also requested Dilshad and Rashid to attend the wedding along with Nazma and bless the couple. Dilshad agreed as she had always had a daughter-like relation with Meera. Meera didn't speak to Asad about this. She didn't want things to complicate further.

The girl gang was helping Meera get ready. Meera was dressed in a white lehenga and blouse, looking like an angel.

Bani-Hayee Meera...kitni sundar lag rahi hein...Haider toh aaj tujhse apni nigahein hata hi nahi payega.

(Meera smiles)

Payal-Bilkul di, you look stunning!

Lavanya - Accha hum sab bahar arrangements dekhkar aate hein...tu tab tak rest kar...alright?

(Meera nods)

(Haider was also getting ready on the other side of the floor. He was dressed in a black Pathan suit. He sees the girls leave. This was his moment to steal a glance of her.

He goes and stops near the edge of the door. Peeking in, he could only see her back. She was dressed in a white dress and her tattoo was clearly visible through her dress and just for a second, he wanted to kiss it. Her angelic beauty was drawing him towards herself. He starts moving towards her. That's when the girls return. )

Lavanya- Excuse meee Mr! Kahaan chale? (she says, raising her eyebrows)

Haider - Woh...

Bani- Kya jiju! Thoda toh intezar kar lete!

Payal-Haan Haider, abb itni bhi kya besabri!? (they all chuckle).

(Haider feels embarrassed and Meera smiles internally listening to the conversation happening outside.She had not let him see her even when he has come to her.She had pulled a cloth between them while talking to him.)

Haider- Woh...main chalta hu... (All the girls laugh.)

Bani- Meera lagta hai tere dilwaale apni dulhaniya ko bohot jaldi le jaane ke mood main hein.

Meera- Dilwale ki bacchi, tujhe toh main dekh lungi.

(They laugh. That's when Ruqsar enters.)

Meera- Ammii...

Ruqsar- Uff...meri beti toh ekdum hoor pari lag rahi hein! Kahi meri hi nazar na lag jaye.

(Meera hugs Ruqsar)

Ruqsar - Accha waise, beta main tumhe kuch dene aai thi..

Meera- Kya Ammii?

Ruqsar- Ye...

(She shows her a maathapatti(side maang teeka))

Meera- Ammii...ye...

Ruqsar- Haq hein tumhara bacha. Ye hamare khandaan main salon se chala aa raha hein... Ammii ne mujhe diya tha aur main tumhe de rahi hu.

Meera- Shukriya Ammii!

Ruqsar- Beta, shukriya toh mujhe kehena chahiye.Ttumhare aane se mere bacche ki zindagi main wapis se khushiyan aaagayi, uske saare zakhm bhar gaye aur usne mohabbat ki ungliyan tham li.

Meera - Ammii...(she says, holding Ruqsar's hand) Khushkismati toh meri hein, jo mujhe Haider jaise saathi ka saath naseeb hua. Sahi maaino main unhone mujhe pura kiya, meri zindagi ko mukkamal kiya. Bahar se dekhne par we always seemed like an imperfect match, completely different from each other, but I believe we were always imperfectly perfect.

(Ruqsar smiles)

Ruqsar- (kissing her forehead) Aaj mujhe aur ek beti mil gayi.

Payal- Meera di, Ruqsar aunty...nikkah ka waqt hogaya hein.

(The girls put the veil on Meera's head and they all walk downstairs. Haider could figure that she was walking down the stairs but couldn't really see her from across the parda. He was desperate to get a single glance of her.)

(The rituals began.)

Maulvi saheb- Haider Ali Khan, kya aapko ye nikah qubool hai?

Haider - Qubool Hai.

(Meera smiles listening to the two words that were probably the most beautiful words she had ever heard of.)

Maulvi saheb- Meera Kapoor, kya aapko ye nikah qubool hai?

(Meera gazes upwards. Haider's heart was beating rapidly. Just a few more moments and they would belong to each other forever. She would be his wife, his love, and his life.)

Meera- Qubo...

Asad - Ruk jaiye.. Ye nikah nahi ho sakta!

(Everybody stops at their place at turns towards the voice. They were shocked. Meera and Haider get up from their respective seats.)

Meera- Asad... Aap...?

Asad- Ye nikkah nahi ho sakta hein Meera... kisi bhi rishte ki shuruaat sachai se hoti hein, aur abhi sabka poora sach jan na baaki hein...

Meera - Poora sach...?

Asad - Ye dekhiye... aapko sab pata chal jayega...

(Video plays)

(It was the same recording that Asad had showed her in the cafe, which indicated that Haider already knew the truth. It was the video of him in the graveyard.)

Haider - Jaanti hein Choti, aaj main bohot khush hoon. Main aaj apni ek jaan ko apni dusri jaan ke baare main batane ja raha hu. (He smiles) Tere bhaijaan ko mohhabat hogayi hein choti, beshumaar mohabbat. Uss se, jiske liye apni khushiyan baad mein, aur dusron ki khushiyan pehele aati hein. Jo bahar se khudko jitna sakht dikhati hein, andar se utni hi naram hein. Jab unki woh jhulfein unke chehre par aati hein, toh lagta hein manlo duniya bhar ka noor khuda ne ek jism main dal diya ho. Agar tu hoti na toh tujhe bhi unsein pyaar hojata.

I miss you choti... (he says with wet eyes)

"Jiski wajah se teri ye halat huyi hein Firdous...mein usse kabhi maaf nahi karunga...usse bhi ussi dard, ussi tanhaiyon se guzarna hoga, jisse tu guzari aur jisse hum aaj bhi guzar rahe hein...Aaj bhi"

(his voice breaks)

Video ends

Asad- Ye hein woh pura video, jiska hume bas ek hissa dikhaya gaya tha...humein gumraah karne ke liye, taaki hum Haider ko galat samjhle, taaki aapka unpar se vishwas uth jaye. Par aapka vishwas kabhi nahi dag magaaya Meera, aapko apni mohabbat par bharosa tha...

(He gives a sad smile)

Meera - Par Asad...ye kisne kiya...ye sab...

Asad - Aapke kehne par maine uss private investigator ko dhundh nikala. Usse mujhe pata chala ki ye sab kiya kisne hein...

Haider - Kisne...?

Asad- Toh aap khud batayenge ya phir sach main batau...ABU!

(Everybody looks at Rashid, shocked by the revelation.)

Rashid - Beta...tum ye...

Asad - Kyun kiya Abu..? Kyun kiya aapne aisa...

Meera - Uncle aap ne...

(Everybody was confused, not able to digest anything being said.)

Asad - KYUN KIYA ABUUU!!

Rashid - Kyunki main tumhe iss haal main nahi dekh sakta tha Asad!!
6 saalon se jee toh rahe the par zinda hone ka ehasaas kho chuke the tum. Chehre par jhoothi muskan, par dil main dard lekar jee rahe the. Ek baap hone ke naate mein tumhe aese kaise dekhta...Bolo?? Tumhari saari khwaishen poori karne ka wada kiya tha maine...Meera toh phir bhi tumhari chahat thi, usse main kaise puri nahi karta. Tum dono ek dusre ke liye ekdum kabil ho aur ye...ye mamuli employee! Ye mere bete se uska pyaar cheen raha tha!! Mein aisa hargiz hone nahi de sakta tha!

Asad- Abu, mohabbat ko cheena ya hasil nahi kiya jata, woh bas hojata hein. Usse plan karke nahi kiya jata. Mohabbat main haisiyat ki koi jagah nahi hein, kyunki woh dil dekhkar ki jati hein.
Aur ye bataiye, kya aapke ye sab karne se mujhe Meera ki mohabbat naseeb hogayi...? Dekhiye...aaj bhi akela hi khada hu.

(He says raising his hands, showing Rashid his bare palms, as a tear rolls down his eyes.)

(Everyone's eyes were soaking wet. They could all feel his pain...his suffering.)

Rashid - Beta... (he moves closer to hold Asad but Asad takes a step back.)

Asad - Aapne jo kiya woh galat tha Abu...lekin yahan koi hein jisne aapse bhi badi galati ki. Galati bhi nahi, gunnah kiya hein, bohot bada gunnah.

Haider - Gunnah...matlab!?

Asad- Kyun...kya hua Mrs. Shagun? Kuch kahengi nahi aap?

Haider - Shagun Api!!?

Shagun- Kya bakwas kar raho ho Asad! Mera iss sabse kya lena dena hein!?

(She says, stuttering with her words.)

Asad - Mein janta tha ki aap kuch aesa hi kahengi, isliye mein bhi saboot laya hoon. Aap andar aa jaaiye please...

(A girl enters the room. Upon seeing her, all the color drains out of Shagun's face, she turns as pale as a ghost.)

Asad - Aap sab jaante hein ye kon hein...

Haider - Nivedita...?

Asad - Ji! Nivedita, aap please sabko sach bataiye.

Nivedita -

(she looks around as every set of eyes in the room was set on her, eager to find out the truth. She takes a breath in and speaks.)

Firdous ek bohot acchi ladki thi...humesha apne parivar aur apne bhaijaan ke bare main batein kiya karti thi. Par uske abu ke guzar jaane ke baad woh...bohot chup chup si rehene lagi thi...badmein Khan Industries main kaam karne ke liye usne meri madad maangi aur main tayyar hogayi. Woh Khan Industries main mere naam se kaam karne lagi aur main internship ke liye Canada chali gayi. Wahaan jaakar main busy ho gayi thi aur kafi wakt tak usse baat nahi kar paayi. We lost touch.
Phir ek din uska call aaya. Humne bohot time baat ki aur usne mujhe Mr. Asad ke baare main bataya...uski behki behki batein sunkar mujhe lag raha tha ki woh mohabbat nahi sirf care dhundh rahi thi...

Maine bohot koshish ki usse samjhani ki par...woh kehti ki...Sha...Shagun api uska pura saath de rahi hein. Voh yeh bhi kehti thi ki unhone hi shuruaat se uski madad ki hein aur woh uska bura kabhi nahi chahengi.

Mujhe uski bohot fikr ho rahi thi par jab main India wapis aayi tab pata chala ki Firdous...

(She lowers her gaze)

Meera-Shagun api, par aapne toh kaha tha ki...aapko shaadi waale din hi sab kuch pata chala tha...?

(Haider couldn't take it anymore. All his frustration, pain, and agony rose at once.)

Haider - BOLIYE SHAGUN API!! AAP CHUP KYUN HEIN!!? BOLIYE!!!!

Shagun - HAAN! HAAN! Maine hi karwaya hai ye sab kuch! Shuruaat se sab kuch maine hi karwaya!

(Everybody was stunned. The situation had taken a complete turn.)

Meera-Par...aapki mujhse ya Asad se kya dushmani thi...?

Shagun- Meri tum dono se koi dushmani nahi thi. Nafrat toh mujhe isse aur iski behen se thi! (she says pointing towards Haider)

In fact, bas inse hi kyun inke poore khandan se hi mujhe nafrat thi hein aur humesha rahegi!!

Haider - Aap...ye...ye kya bol rahi hein...

Asad- Aap apne bhai beheno ke saath aesa kaise kar sakti thi?!

Shagun - Ye mere koi bhai behen nahi hein! Ye mere dushman hein! Bas!
Inke parivaar ki wajah se main anaath hogayi...isiliye, (she starts laughing like a maniac) Isliye, hahaaa!

Maine Firdous se woh sab karwaya, usse manipulate kiya. Iss ghar ki ladki aur sabse kamzor kadi wohi thi! Usse barbaad karne se ye aadha ghar toh yunhi bikhar gaya. Hahaha!!

Maine usse kaha ki abb iss ghar main kisi ke pass uske liye waqt nahi hein aur sirf Asad hi ab usse mohabbat de payega. Meri Asad ya meera se koi dushmani nahi thi lekin kya karen...gehu ke saath ghun bhi pista hein.

Bichari...usse beech main guilty feel hone bhi laga tha...lag raha tha ki woh do pyaar karne waalon ko alag kar rahi hein par mein usse kehti rahi ki pyaar main sab kuch jaayaz hein aur dekho, usne khudko khud hi barbaad karliya! (she laughs)

Haider- AAP ITNI GHATIYA HARKAT KAR BHI KAISIE SAKTI THI!!!!?? Firdous, hamari choti...Aapko apni role model manti thi voh!!!

Aur aapne uske saath...(He says controlling his anger)

Aur hamare wajah se aap anaath...kya bakwaas kar rahi hei aap?!!

Shagun - Tum log mere maa baap ke katil ho! Isiliye, jis tarah maine Firdous ko barbaad kiya, ussi tarah main Haider ko bhi barbaad karna chahti thi. Meera, Haider ki tanhaiyon ki roshni thi aur mujhe uss roshni ko usse bohot dur le jaana tha. isiliye main jaanboojh kar Asad se wapis mili aur usse indirectly bataya ki Haider Meera ko chot pohchana chhata hein.

Mr. Rashid Khan ko bhi maine hi woh recording tamper karne ki salaah di and infact, Meera tak ko yakeen dilwaana chaha ki tum usse mohabbat nahi karte, balki uss se intekaam lene aaye ho par ye ladki! Isne phir bhi tum par yakeen kiyaa! Ji toh karta hein ki...

(Before Shagun could complete her sentence, Ruqsar takes a step forward and slaps her tightly across her face.)

Ruqsar - BEGAIRAT LADKI!! (Slaps her again)

Tumhe andaza bhi hein tumne kya kiya hein!! Kitni saari zindagiyon ko barabaad kar diya tumne!! (she says while gripping Shagun's hand tightly)

(Shagun stares back at Ruksar, not a trace of guilt in her eyes.)

Shagun - Mujhe koi sharam nahi! Kyunki ye saab maine apne abu aur ammi ko insaaf dilaane ke liye kiya! Tum logo ki wajah se unki jaan gayi! Tum logon se mere abu ne thode paise hi toh mange the...par tum logon ne kya kiya!?
Unki thodi bhi madad nahi ki! Unhein jail tak jana pada...ammi ko dohra pad gaya iss wajah se! Aur abu ne jail main khudkhushi karli...tum sab QATIL HOO!!QUATIL!!

(She says pointing at Haider and Ruksar.)

Ruqsar- Tumne apne man main itne saalon se ye sab paalkar rakha hein, ye toh hume pata hi nahi tha. Toh abb suno ki pura sach kya tha!!

Hamari family ek factory chalaati thi, sab kuch thik chal raha tha par tumhare abu kuch illegal kaam karne lage jiski wajah se unhein bohot losses hogaye. Isi vageh se humne woh property kho di...hamare pass kuch savings thi par tumhare abu usse bhi apne illegal business main istemaal karna chahte the, jiske liye Haider ke abu ne saaf inkaar kar diya. Toh jaanti ho tumhare abu ne kya kiya?! Unhone factory se insurance paise kamane ke liye...factory main aag lagava di! Us waqt kai log the wahaan...kai parivaar the...jinki jaan chali gayi...par tumhare abu ko zara pachtawa nahi hua! Aur isiliye Haider ke Abu ne unhe police ke hawale kar diya.

Tumhari ammi ka ismein koi kasoor nahi tha par apne shauhar ki ghinoni harkaat ko jaan ne ke baad unse bardaasht nahi hua aur unhein dil ka dohra pad gaya. Tumhare abu ko shayad iske baad apne gunnah ka ehsaas hua.

Hum kehte hein ki hume dusro ka dard samajh aata hein par asli samajh toh tab aati hein jab uss dard se hum khud guzarte hein...

Tumhare abu ne pachtaave main aakar khudkhushi karli. Hum jaante the ki isme tumhara koi kasoor nahi tha, isiliye tumhe bhi apni bacchi maan kar pala...par hume kya pata tha ki tum...

(she takes a step back and almost falls. Veer holds her.)

Veer- Zara bhi haath nahi kape aapke, dil ne roka nahi aapko....choti se mera khoon ka rishta bhi nahi tha par phir bhi...phir bhi...woh phool si bacchi meri jaan thi...behen se bhi badhkar thi woh aur aapne! Chii!

Shagun (she falls on her knees) -
Aesa...aesa nahi...ho sakta hein... bilkul nahi...Abu aesa nahi kar sakte...(her eyes were soaking wet but she was still laughing hysterically.)

Tum sab jhoothe ho... Haa! Hahaha...jhoothe ho.

Bani-Aaj tak bas suna tha ki dusro ko barbaad karne se pehele, humein khud ko barbaad karna padta hein...aaj dekh bhi liya...

(That's when the police enter)

Asad- Inspector sahab, please inhein le jaaiye.

Inspector- Ji Mr. Khan...inki haalat dekh kar lagta hein ki inhein pehele medical assistance ki zarurat hein.

Asad- Ji...jaisa aap thik samjhe.

(The police take her with them and she walks out. Her body limping as if there was no life left within her. She was void of any emotion.)

(There was silence for 2 minutes and then Asad speaks up.)

Asad- Abb waqt aa gaya hein ki main bhi yahan se vida lu...meri wajah se agar koi pareshani aai ho toh uske liye maafi chahta hu...

Haider - Arey nahi Asad...ye aap kya bol rahe hein...maafi toh mujhe maangni chahiye. Mere parivaar ki wajah se na jaane kya sab beeti aap par aur Meera par...aur voh bhi inte saalon tak...

(He says feeling guilty)

Asad- Dekhiye...jo hua usse toh hum nahi badal sakte...par abb waqt hein ki hum sab ek nayi shuruaat kare...aaiye mere saath.

(he takes Haider's hand from one side of the parda and places it in Meera's hand)

Ummed karta hu ki aap meri dost ka acche se khayal rakhenge Haider...and sorry agar main iss kahani ka villain ban gaya toh...

(He chuckles, a trace of sorrow still reflecting in his eyes.)

(Haider nods.)

Asad - Chalta hu Meera.

Meera - Asad... (Asad turns)

Meera - Aap iss kahani ke villain kabhi nahi the...aap toh woh insaan the jisne hamesha se bas mohabbat ki...bina kisi umeed ke bas pyaar kiya aapne. Hum sab apni kahani ke ahem kirdaar hote hein aur kya pata aaj se aapki kahani ka ek naya hissa janam lene wala ho, ek naya mod lene wala ho.

(Asad gives a small smile and leaves.)

***

*Asad's POV*

Feelings are the most complicated things in this world. Yes, I loved her with all my heart and I know that for a moment, we were everything for each other... but now was the time to let go of these emotions. I will always treasure these memories cause they are a part of me now and have made me who I am. But from now on, I will also make new memories and give myself a chance to feel all the happiness and satisfaction a person deserves.

And just as I was lost in my thoughts, a girl suddenly appeared in front of my car and the car took a 360-degree turn. I got a glance at the girl in front of me. She was dressed in bridal attire. She had big brown eyes, with a small nose. Her hair was flowing with the wind as she turned, trying to balance herself, and fell onto the ground. For a second, I just keep looking at her, lost.

I come out of the car, moving towards the girl to check if she got hurt, and extend my hand to help her up. The girl ignores it gets up on her own. I still keep looking at her. I don't know what's wrong with me and why I feel a sudden pull towards her.

That's when she says something to gets me out of my trans, irritating me a bit.

*Asad's POV ends*

Girl - Agar gaadi chalani nahi aati, toh chalate kyun hein?!

Asad (in mind) - This angered me. It was clearly her fault and in fact, I had just tried helping her out.

Asad - (he takes a step forward ) Excuse me! Agar aapko dhang se chalna nahi aata toh bahar nikalti kyun hein!

Girl- (she replies with the same fire) Agar aapko baat karne ki tameez nahi hein toh aap baat karte kyun hein?!

Asad- Aaj tak kisi ne mujhse aese baat nahi ki.

Girl - Aww, everybody has their firsts, mister. So, Congratulations on yours!

(She rolls her eyes.)

(I ignore her and get inside my car. That's when a car rushes in from the back with a guy holding a gun. The girl gets inside his car abruptly.)

Asad- Aap...

Girl-Aap gadi chalaiye...

Asad - Excuse me, jaan na pehchan, aur waise bhi main toh batameez tha na...toh aap meri madad kyun le rahi hein?

Girl - Aapka naam kya heinn?

Asad- You don't know me?

Girl - Ek baat bataiye...aap koi Salman Khan hein?

Asad- What...no!

Girl - Toh main aapko kyun pehchanungi...?

Asad(in mind) - Ye ladki bilkul pagal hein.

Asad - I am Asad...Asad Ahmed Khan.

Girl - I am Zoya...Zoya Farooqi.

Asad - Zoya...matlab zindagi...(In mind- she has a beautiful name...)

Zoya - Mr. Khan, aapke name deciphering ke chakkar mein gunde hume mar hi daalenge.

Asad- (starts the car) Par ye aapke peeche pade kyun hein...?

Zoya - That's a long story Mr. Khan...aap filhal gaadi chalaiye.

(The goons keep following them. Asad turns onto a deserted road. They both come out of the car.)

Asad - Abb aap bataiyengi...chal kya raha hein aur aap aese dulhan ke libaaz mein...?

Zoya - Ek second...(She starts taking off her ghagra.)

Asad - Ye aap kya kar rahi hein... (he turns to the other
side)Yaahan...aese...mujhe toh lag hi raha tha ki aap pagal hein...

Zoya- Excuse me!! (She turns him towards her and he sees that she had worn a pair of jeans and sneakers underneath her ghagra) Bhaagne main aasaani ho uska intezam kar rahi thi...

Asad - Haan toh woh main kaise samjhta.

Zoya - Waise aap pooch rahe the na...ki mein aise...kyun? Woh actually I loved a guy...he ditched me...was after my money. Then my businessman dad decided to get me married to another guy as a part of a business deal...so basically, love is bullshit, and now I am stuck here and I don't know why I am telling you this, but yeah, end of the story. (she rushes through her speech)

Asad- I am sorry for that...

Zoya - You don't have to-

Zindagi kitni bhi maare pathar
Par hum bhi thehre sikandar...

(Asad looks at Zoya for a second and then starts laughing. He hadn't laughed like this for a very long time. Zoya looks at his smile and feels something in her heart.)

Asad - Itni gandi shayari... (still laughing) Please kabhi kisi ko sunaiyega mat, warna pata nahi bechara ka kya hoga...

(Zoya pouts like a child )

Zoya - Allah miya, whats wrong with you Mr khan!Aap bohot bure hein!

Asad-Waise ek baat bolu Ms. Farooqi...? Love isn't bullshit. Pyaar galat nahi hota, hamari choice galat ho sakti hein, insaan galat ho sakta hein ya haalat galat ho sakte hein par pyaar kabhi galat nahi hota. Aur jo galat lage, samajh lijiye ki woh pyaar hein hi nahi.

(Zoya felt reassured listening to his words.)

(That's when they hear the voice of a few goons. Asad takes Zoya's hand and pulls her behind a tree to hide from the goons.)

Goons- Zoya madam ko dhundho...yehi kahi hongi. Jaoo!!

(Zoya was about to slip but Asad holds her by her waist with one hand and puts his hand on her mouth to stop from making any sound. That's when they both look into each other's eyes, feeling the Intimacy and pull between them.)

(The goons leave, but there was something else that had entered into their lives. Hope.)

And that's how the story of two broken souls searching for love, started again.

***
The wedding resumed.

Maulvi saheb- Haider Ali Khan, kya aapko ye nikah qubool hai?

Haider - Qubool Hai!

Maulvi saheb- Meera Kapoor, kya aapko ye nikah qubool hai?

Meera- Qubool Hai! (She says with a smile)

(They then perform the ritual of looking at each other's reflections in the mirror.)

(They both look at each other with a smile on their faces. That was the moment Haider realized that both of them had become each other's cure and love. Forever.)

Haider-

Aahat teri pakar jage
Khwab le angdaiyan
Dhundhte the kabse tujhko
Main aur meri tanhaiyan.

***
Hello dear readers!
So how was the chapter?
I know it was quiet long, 8000+ words hogaye, but I really hope you guys didn't find it boring!

Me and ReemesM worked really hard on it😭. Not to mention how loongg we sat to finaally give this chapter to you guys today! Please do let both of us know how you like it!❤

So, the truth is finally out! Did you guys expect Shagun to be the one behind all this?
Did you guys like the Vani and Haira cute moments?
What was your favourite scene in this chapter?

Also, did you guys like the ending Asad got?
What about the dance sequence with all the major characters of the book?

One last chapter to goo... (I suddenly feel bittersweet...🥺)

Next chapter is one of the cutest chapter I have written till date. Hope you guys will enjoy it!

Love you guys!
Stay tuned ;)