"Jibran, my darling son, have paratha. I made it for you specially."
Mrs Qadir said lovingly as she overfilled her son's plate with all the side dishes.

Jibran stole a glance at Rida and found her quietly eating her breakfast with a bowed head. He thanked his mother as he took one bite of the paratha and said, "This is too good Maa."

Mrs Qadir beamed from ear to ear and tried adding more to his plate.
"Here, take some of this halwa too."

"Thanks Maa. I will take more after I finish." Jibran said obediently and then sneezed.

"Oh my, bless you. Are you not well, Jibran?" his mother quickly became worried.

"Umm... yes Maa. I am a bit under the weather as our door was left open last night and I got a chill due to the wind."
Jibran finished and then sneezed again for emphasis.

"Oh dear! I... Keep your door closed at night from now on, and I will go and prepare Herbal Tea for you immediately." Mrs Qadir stood up as she finished speaking.

Rida was looking up at Jibran now, a slight smile tugging at her mouth. Jibran winked at her and went to his mother in the kitchen.

"Maa, how about I take these parathe to my office? My friends will love to eat these." He said taking out a lunch box.

Mrs Qadir was ecstatic. Rida helped Jibran pack the stuff and smiled secretly at him behind her mother-in-law's back.

Mrs Qadir like all other MILs was against any sort of PDA, in fact, she expected them to not acknowledged each other in her presence let alone hold hands or talk.

They both knew it well and avoided each other in front of her but secretly stole glances or communicated non verbally when she wasn't looking.

Mrs Qadir recited some verses and blew on Jibran's head for his safety. He smiled and bade farewell to his mother as he made his way to the compound. Rida followed him sneakily under the pretense of delivering his forgotten lunchbox.

"Here you go", she handed it to him but he caught her wrist instead.

They were standing under the cover of the porch as Jibran was about to take out his car from his parking spot. He had come back when he saw Rida standing just under the entryway. 

"You okay?" he asked searching her face.

"Yeah, I am good." She smiled as she saw his concerned expression.

He visibly relaxed noticing her placid features and whispered "I love you" before rushing back to his car.

Rida waved to the parting car and felt contented realizing he was aware of her hardships but cannot fight with his mother on her mistreatment without being an unfilial son which he was definitely not. She squared her shoulders as she made her way upstairs where her mother in law was waiting for her return, probably with some new orders and chores.