The moon was shining to it's fullest. Stars were yet to adorn the bluish layer of the sky. The air smelled of the rain. It was one of those rare evenings when moonbow made its presence known to the enormous sky.

Asad was enjoying this fascinating sight on the terrace of the Naqvi mansion, waiting for a certain someone.

"Asad." He heard her excited voice, which instantly brought a smile on his lips.

He turned around to see a sight that could easily envy the magnificent moonbow.

Arwa.

"Arwa, spill the beans. What did you want to tell me?" He asked curiously. It wasn't Arwa's trait to make suspense, neither it was Asad's trait to be so impatient.

"Asad, I am nervous." She said with a pout.

"Is this what you wanted to tell me?" He asked, all ready to shout 'Are you crazy?'.

"No! I am nervous to tell you why I called you here."

"Arwa, just speak, that's all. It's not like you are going to propose me." He cracked one of his humourless jokes. He chuckled, but then noticed the spark in her brown eyes.

"What if I say I am proposing you?" Her smile was the enough evidence needed to know that she was serious.

"Arwa, if it's a joke then I swear I'll tell Nawaz Mamu about your prank."

"I am not joking. I love you, Asad." She held his arms.

And he quickly got out of her hold.

"Arwa---"

But before he could speak further, she put her hand on his lips.

"Shhh.... I don't want to hear your reply." She looked straight into his eyes and continued, "tomorrow I am going to New York and I just wanted to tell you about my feelings. Now put a smile and give me a hug."

And she removed her hand from his lips, leaving him in a dazed state.

"Hug me!" She whined.

Asad, with a confused expression, hugged her. Arwa felt relieved when he patted her head.

"Arwa."

"Hmm?"

"Leave your madness here, in this mansion. I won't mind killing you if you continued doing your crazy stunts in New York as well."

"Hmm, I'll wait for you to kill me." She retrieved from the hug and pulled his cheeks as if he was a five-year-old kid.

He frowned at her, but before he could even protest she was already out of his sight.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Asad!" A loud voice and a bone-crushing hug brought him back from his old memories.

And then he noticed that the 18-year-old Arwa who had proposed him is now a 25-year-old Arwa, who is hugging him like a five-year-old kid.

"I missed you." She said in a childish tone.

Oh, so she is still the same old crazy Arwa. He had expected her to get mature in these seven years. But Alas! Some things never change.

"I missed you too." He hugged her back.

"Then why you never came to meet me?"

"Because you never came to meet me."

"I was busy with my studies."

"And I was busy with my business."

"At least you could call me."

"You could call me as well."

"I used to do part-time jobs."

"I used to work overnight."

"At least you could answer my proposal."

But she didn't receive a comeback.

They were still hugging each other. Wrapped in warm layers in a cold weather, they were providing a strange kind of warmth to each other, that directly soothed their cold hearts.

Arwa ended the hug and smiled at him.

"Let's go. I want to meet others as well."

Saying so she climbed in his luxurious car, while Asad put her luggage in the backside of the car and then started a short journey to the Naqvi Mansion.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

During the car drive there was all silence between them.

No music, No talks.

But all of a sudden Asad asked a very awkward question.

"Arwa."

"Hmm?"

"Tell me honestly, are you a virgin?"

All he received as a reply was silence. A silence that was capable of awakening the storm inside him.

"I am two-month pregnant."

And the car stopped with a screeching sound.

He looked at her with murderous expressions.

"Who is he?" He was dead serious while asking this question. Already planning the first ever murder attempt of his twenty-nine years of existence.

Arwa had a blank look, as if his anger did nothing to threaten her.

"Arwa, I asked something. Who is he?" He asked in a loud and dangerous tone, as if a lion was roaring.

"Nobody." And she began laughing like a hyena.

Did she just pranked him?

I guess, yes.

Asad was now even more angry than before. He resembled a valcano that was about to burst out its lava over Arwa.

As her laughter increased, his patience started ticking down. And he lost it.

Arwa was pulled closer, his hand gripping her silky locks, their lips inches away. Her laughter died down. She was anticipating his next move.

Will he kiss her or not?

Her eyes closed in consent. She was ready to accept him in a forbidden way. But...

"Now, why aren't you laughing?" She heard his mocking voice and immediately opened her eyes.

He was smirking mockingly and pulled away from her. At that moment, her eyes were red, she was feeling a heaviness in her chest. But she won't admit it that his action hurt her.

Composing herself, she straightened her position and acted like nothing happened.

And soon enough the awkward ride ended as the gates of Naqvi Mansion opened and Arwa saw her safe haven after whole seven years.

The second Asad stopped the car, Arwa ran out to hug her superhero.

"Dad!" Arwa jumped on him like all the other times when Nawaz came to meet her in New York.

Nawaz like all the other times balanced both of them perfectly.

Asad smiled at the scene and instructed the servants to take her luggage to her room.

Qaina coughed to gain Arwa's attention. Sometimes she felt jealous of her husband for being their kids' favourite.

"Mama! You are still the same Jal Kukdi, huh?" And she kissed her mother while Qaina engulfed her into a motherly hug.

"Aye Brownie!" Atif called her with the nickname that only he was permitted to use.

"Mamu! Still so young." She hugged her one and only uncle.

"All set to give you a fourth cousin." And he was pinched on his bicep by Nikhat, again.

"Ouch!"

"Control your mouth. You are old now, get a grip of your pants." Nikhat whispered to him, so that no one else could listen to her.

Atif simply ignored her, he could get his revenge at night.

"Phuppo!" Arwa hugged her Nikhu Phuppo and was quite excited to see her latest sculptures.

And then came the turn to meet her juniors.

Her 24-year-old younger brother Shahzain, whom everyone calls Young Shah Sahab, he was Xerox copy of his father, except for the fact that he had inherited Qaina and Atif's father's looks. And due to this resemblance he was the Jigar Ka Tukda of Atif. Through him Atif felt like he was getting his father's affection. That made Zain really special to him.

Next to him were the twin daughters of Atif and Nikhat, 19-year-old Anisah and Maysa. Maysa was whole 60 seconds elder than Anisah. Anisah was a quite girl while Maysa was a whole package of energy. They were fraternal twins, non-identical to be exact.

The twins hugged her with equal enthusiasm while her brother gave her a quick hug as if she was a virus. Well, she was indeed a virus for him who will enjoy destroying his peace.

"I need to hide my personal diary. And need to change my password everyday. And need to hide my favourite t-shirts. And hide my chocolates as well. And she can't know that I still watch cartoons." That was what going on in his mind.

C'mon, brothers will be brothers naa.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Asad was heading to his room when he heard moans coming from Maysa's room. Leaning a little closer to the door he heard, "Mahir..."

And he punched the door very hard.

"Mahir, come out!" He threatened a certain guy named Mahir Bilal Khan.

"Mr Asad Naqvi, I am busy doing baby-making process with my wife. Please don't disturb." Mahir replied a bit shamelessly.

At this point Maysa was puzzled why he fell in love with this man who is talking rubbish to her brother.

"Mahir, I will kill you if you didn't come out. Rukhsati is yet to happen."

"But Nikaah has already happened six months ago."

"Maysa, open the door!"

And Maysa immediately opened the door, much to Mahir's displeasure.

Asad heaved a sigh of relief seeing his sister dressed in a decent way, which meant nothing serious happened between her and her husband Mahir. Which means Mahir was intentionally provoking him, more like pranking him. At that moment, Asad understood why Mahir and Arwa were best friends since their childhood.

"Bhai, he was joking." Maysa said while rubbing his palms. It was a trick to calm him down. A physical touch from his mother or sisters could easily calm him.

Asad glared at the man standing in front of him. Mahir Bilal Khan, Maysa's husband.

Asad hated Mahir's guts. Both of them had a mutual dislike towards each other since the very beginning, maybe because both of them were close to Arwa and it just started a kind of cold war between them that who is Arwa's favourite.

Mahir was a charmer, the entire Naqvi family, except for Asad, adored him. And he loved the chubby little Maysa since the age of fifteen.

And got married to her six months ago, with his and her family's consent. But, of course, Asad wasn't really happy with their marriage. However, he couldn't deny the truth that Mahir genuinely liked Maysa, he could see it through the way Mahir looked at her. So yeah, he let them marry. Even if he disagreed, Atif would have easily changed his disagreement into agreement. Asad was still a little afraid of his father.

"Out of the room, right now." He said sternly.

"First, turn around."

"Why?"

"I have to kiss my wife." Mahir said as if it was a very obvious thing.

Asad groaned internally and turned around.

Mahir mischievously locked his lips with Maysa's. But she wasn't responding, so he kept going on. His hands roaming around her body. Maysa held his hands, trying to stop him from touching her. Her brother was present in the room and she just wanted it to end. But Mahir was in no mood to end it. He cupped her cheeks and her hands automatically gripped his hair gently. And she finally responded to the kiss, making him smile. Mahir was going to deepen their kiss, but...

"Are you both done?" Asad asked, when he couldn't tolerate the sound of kissing anymore. He felt like he was invading their privacy, which he actually was.

Mahir unwillingly pulled out from the kiss and left the room, but not before glaring at his so-called brother-in-law.

"Maysa, why did you marry this shameless rascal?"

"Bhai, he is my husband."

"That is why he is still alive, or else I would have killed him by now."

"Don't be angry naa. C'mon, let's go to the kitchen. I'll make cold coffee for you." She held his arm and dragged him towards the kitchen.

Asad obediently followed her, he can't refuse Maysa's cold coffee, it tastes like heaven.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

As the siblings reached the kitchen, both of them heard some giggling sound. Asad switched on the lights and what he saw was something that increased his protective brother mode.

Anisah and Zain were sitting in a corner and sharing a chocolate bar.

The lovebirds stood up seeing him standing there in a shocked state, their heads hung low.

"Anisah, come here." Anisah walked to Asad's side and stood beside Maysa, who was about to explode into fits of laughter. While Zain was silently leaving the kitchen when he heard Asad. "I'll see you in the morning." And that was enough to be assured of the fact that he is literally gone.

Well, Anisah and Zain were engaged. And the very next morning was their Nikaah.

Now Asad will make sure to not let Zain meet Anisah for extra few hours.

"I'll make the cold coffee." Maysa managed to say while not ending up laughing.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The next morning shone bright and beautiful. Anisah was looking beautiful in her red lehenga. A shy smile was resting upon her lips. Finally she was going to marry the love of her life.

While Zain had somewhat similar feelings. He was smiling constantly, without a single pause.

Arwa was damn sure that he will have pain in his jaw later, he was smiling like a maniac according to her.

No offense, but sisters will be sisters naa.

Zain as well as all the other family members were dressed in white. Nawaz and Atif were wearing white Salwar Kameez. Qaina was dressed in a white Garara, while Nikhat was dressed in a white Sharara. White roses adorning their beautiful buns. Mahir and Maysa looked like a dream couple in twinning outfits. Mahir's parents, Bilal and Rumaisa also became a part of this memorable occasion. Zain looked like a perfect groom in a white Sherwani and metallic silver cloth around his shoulders. Asad was dressed in a simple yet elegant white Kurta. At last, Arwa was wearing a white lehenga, she looked like the Queen of White.

In all the giggling, smiling, shying, the Qubool Hai was said and the Nikaah was done happily.

Anisah Atif Naqvi became Anisah Shahzain Naqvi.

Marrying Zain was a tough decision for her. She had seen him almost kill a guy just because he dared to propose her. He doesn't pretend, but he is really dangerous. The innocent boy facade is for the family only, especially for Nawaz and Atif. She has seen his true face that is deadly dangerous.

But she can't deny the truth that she will still love him. Because he loves her to no end. Maybe her love and affection will change him.

She closed her eyes as she felt him intervene their fingers.

"I love you, Nisah." He whispered softly.

Nisah... She was his Nisah.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Asad entered his Nawaz Mamu's room on the same night. He was a bit surprised to see both the Naqvi couple in the room. Because Nawaz and Atif still don't get along well. They were tolerating each other just because of their wives.

"Mamu, you called me."

"Yes, take a seat, Asad."

Asad gave him a nod and sat on a couch facing Nawaz, who was sitting on his favourite armchair. While the other three were sitting on a big couch on his right.

Something was serious and it involved his opinion. He was sure about that.

"Asad... Arwa wants to marry you." As these words left Nawaz's mouth, Asad understood everything. Still he kept quiet.

Qaina put a hand on Nawaz's shoulder, indicating that she is going to continue this conversation.

"Asad, she confessed that she likes you and wishes to be your wife. But, beta, it's your decision if you want to marry her. Don't think we are forcing you. Please consider about this proposal."

Asad didn't spoke a word and left the room.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Arwa heard a knock on her door. It was almost midnight and who would be disturbing her at this hour. Probably Maysa. She must be feeling bored because Mahir might be working overnight and came to binge Netflix with her Arwi Di.

Sensible enough, Arwa.

Arwa didn't bother about the loose t-shirt she wore, her left shoulder was barely covered. And her shorts were too short to be called shorts. A messy bun adding to her careless night dressing.

As she opened the door Asad entered inside and quickly locked the door. He was red in rage. His looks were murderous. There were 99.99% chances of him killing her that night.

"So you told our parents that you want to marry me?" His tone was deadly.

"Yes, I did." She dared to reply, even when she knew his reaction will be something she will regret.

And she was right. He grabbed her neck and choked her out of breath.

"I thought my actions were enough to convey that I am not interested in you."

Tears prickled her eyes at his hateful words. It was heart-breaking. His words, his actions. Everything was heart-breaking.

"A-s-a-d." She managed to utter when she could barely breath under his hold.

"Don't you dare think that your tears will effect me." He lied. Her tears did effect him.

He left her throat and pushed her on the bed. Arwa fell on the soft sheets lifelessly.

He bent down to meet her gaze. Their eyes colliding and lips mere inches apart.

That was a wrong move.

He could smell her intoxicating scent. He could see her barely covered shoulders. He could see that she wasn't wearing anything underneath her t-shirt. And he could feel the urge to kiss her, to mark her.

Before he could get out of his daze, Arwa kissed him. Her lips moulding into his, her hands gripping his nape.

And the most shocking fact was that Asad was unable to stop her. The clumsy girl had enough strength to make him feel vulnerable.

Asad was trying hard to control himself, his desires. If he melted now then Arwa will make him hers by hook or crook. Because then she will get to know that he has feelings for her.

But her one moan was all that was needed to break his control and he was responding to her kiss.

She sighed when he took the control of their sudden make out. His hands gripped her waist.

She knew she did wrong. But she wasn't a saint. She was a sinner and she admits it. She was an obsessed girl who could do anything to get her love. However, she could happily leave him if it meant his good. But his response proved that he was hers.

It continued for countless moments and they stopped only when they were drained out of their energy.

Asad rested his head on her bare neck, softly kissing her exposed skin.

"You did wrong, Arwa. We have betrayed our parents' trust."

"I know."

"You have forced yourself over me."

"I know."

"I won't forgive you."

"I know."

"Do you know how I am feeling?"

"I do. You regret your four-year-old self who declared that you'll marry me. You regret that crazy boy who used to remind me again and again that one day I'll be your bride. You regret fighting with Mahir just because he was my best friend instead of you. You regret everything that connects you to me. Right?"

No. He didn't regret anything. He cherished that every single knot that connected him to her.

But sometimes you fear accepting your love. Because you are afraid. Those tragic love stories become a nightmare for you. Those happily-ever-after endings become a lie to you. You become a phobic of love. Because there was a girl who killed herself when you refused her love.

And now her memories were haunting him. Like he was her culprit. Like he was incapable of love. Like he don't deserve to be loved.

"Arwa! I can't! I can't!" The wall that separated him from his fears and insecurities broke.

"She killed herself. I don't deserve you. I don't deserve anyone."

"Asad." She cupped his face and put his head in the crook of her neck. Her palm gently caressing his hair.

Asad was mumbling repeatedly that, "I don't deserve you. I don't deserve you. I don't deserve you."

When the dawn approached, finally both of them peacefully slept in each other's embrace.

Arwa understood he was hiding something. He wasn't as strong as he pretends to be. But she was ready to accept his vulnerable side as well.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

To be continued...

Because I think I can't end it in just a single chapter. There will be one more chapter published soon.