ایک دن آپ یوں ہم کو مل جائیں گے
ہم نے سوچا نہ تھا۔

Ek din aap yun hamko mil jayenge
Hamne socha na tha

One day you'll meet me like this
I had not thought about that

Saman had never felt the kind of fear she was feeling as she stared at the black silhouetted Jinn stranding at a step from her, still. She too was frozen...like a statue, the only sound from her was her erratically running heart.

"I am not a jinn." In a grave and cold voice the creature spoke, breaking the haunting spell.

"Bhoot?"[ghost?] She asked, cautiously not wanting the 'thing' getting mad or worse, killing her.

"Saman are you crazy?"

"You know my name?" Call her stupid, idiot or anything as she was unable to get the familiar voice of the man she had already named as jinn, bhoot and every other thing except for human.

She heard him sigh.

"What are you doing here?" He asked again.

Wait! He sounds familiar. She mentally whispered and then like a lightning crashes she lifted her cellphone and flashed the light on his face only to gasp loudly.

"Armaan bhai!"

"Han. Aur zara yeh light neeche karo please." [And please put that light down]. Armaan said, making her do the same hastily.

"I am so sorry bhai...I just..I-" stuttering badly she stepped back .

"What were you doing here in the dark?"

"Oh that...that...nothing...I was just-"

"Stop fumbling, Saman."

"We were playing a game and I came here to find the treasure. " Saman said in one breath and looked down, embarrassed but thankfully there was no light for him to see.

"Game? Treasure hunt? Are you kids?" Armaan couldn't help saying the mocking statement which made her head shot up. With a frown.

"Can you move aside? I need to find it." Offended and furious Saman spoke. Armaan sure was taken aback by her response as it had never happened that she talked to him so informally.

"Find what?" He asked her flash the light on his face again, with narrowed eyes he could make out her clenched jaw and furrowed brows.

"A vase. Now please side."

"Um...yeah." He said and stepped aside, making her throw a brief glance at him and lower the flash down,"Actually I can help you find that." Armaan said.

"No thank you. " she replied and entered the room. Armaan too followed, he had no idea why.

"Are you sure you will be fine in the dark?" He asked, making her to face him and again aim the flash on his face which made him pinch his eyes.

"Put that light away Saman." Armaan said, making her turn back to her hunt.

"What does it look like?"

"Golden one, like the one in the front room." Saman said and showing the picture to him again started looking for the damned vase. Armaan nodded and taking out his own phone started searching for the vase.He had no idea he would have such an encounter with her. Especially when he was there just to keep Dadi jaan's spectacles.

" Did you find it ?" Armaan asked, earning no answer from her.

"Saman-" before he could say anything Saman turned towards him and flashed the light once again on his face. Seeing him turning his head away, Saman lowered her phone and showed him the vase. He nodded and gestured to go first, which she did. If he was expecting any kind of thanks in return he was so wrong as Saman had already left. Leaving him behind which made him shake his head and follow her.

Zealous of her victory, Saman had literally smashed her win in Ahad's face. Sara had long back given up but Ahad hadn't and when he found Saman with the vase after completing his hunt, he did not know what to say or do. He was still in denial, he had not expected her to win...heck he had imagined her running back seeing the darkness.

The rest of the night was pretty long because the blackout hadn't ended and none of them could sleep. Heat and the humidity from rain were major reasons. And when in the morning the power supply came back it had literally felt like Eid to them, specifically for the youngsters. Looking like zombies they had had their breakfast more precisely the four youngest ones and had also become the topic of teasing for everyone.

"I am not in my senses right now, or none of you could even utter a word." Ahad said pointing his fingers at them making them burst into fits of laughter.

"Chup toh raha nahi jaata tumse, apna mazak khud banao."[why can't you shut your mouth]Saman glared at him which made him roll his eyes in the most exaggerated way he could.

"Are you done now? We are so gonna get late!"

"Nah! I am not going today." He said not even looking at her. Talk about being a complete idiot.

"Why the heck didn't you tell me earlier? Oh god!" Saman said in exasperation and throwing a death glare his way made her way out of the dinning area. She just hoped she would find her father or anyone to drop her. She was already so late all thanks to Ahad's careless attitude and then last night's adventure had left her in a cranky mood.

What a way to start a day!

Just as she stepped out of the Haveli her eyes fell on Armaan who was already in his car and was about to leave. Without thinking anything Saman ran towards his car and took the passenger seat making Armaan's head snap towards her with a jerk.

Surprised at her sudden appearance, Armaan couldn't fathom what actually happened. She was taking deep breaths as her eyes remained closed. He kept staring at her for a few moments, waiting for an explanation but instead Saman gestured him to start the car. Still not looking at him and he found it an obligation to follow her.

What a strange start of the day.

The drive had started silent and even after a good few minutes they were silent. Armaan hated this weird silence.

"Saman, I swear I am not the jinn you thought I was." He spoke in a dead serious tone.

"What!"

"I said I am not the jinn you named me as, you know." Armaan smirked at her shocked expression.

"I...I am...sorry...for last night." Saman spoke, still baffled at his sudden remark.

"I didn't say that for your sorry Saman."

"Then?"

"Leave it, I guess you don't find me fit to have a conversation."

It would be an understatement to say that Saman was confused, startled and embarrassed. It was clear that Armaan was disappointed...but what could she do. The rest of the ride was quiet, quieter than it ever was.

"Call me after your classes, I will pick you up." Armaan said as soon as they reached the main gate of her college. Saman glanced at him briefly, trying to figure out his mood but only found him looking straight, devoid of any expression.

"It's alright papa will come." She said in a whisper, making him watch her from his periphery.

"Very well." His words came out colder than intended. Saman looked at him nervously, she definitely knew he thought that she didn't want him to come. She tried to say something but deciding against it stepped out of the car. Greeting him in a whisper she turned around and went ahead while he just watched her walk away.

Another try, another failure...same barriers.

___________

The day could be called a perfect lazy day for Ahad. He was having a me time in his room, doing absolutely nothing except for staring at the tablet screen...for hours. But it seemed like his mother had different plans, it was maybe the third episode of some series playing when Munazza entered his room.

"So this is why you bunked classes?" She asked, eyeing him with disdain, making him look at her for a brief second and then back at the screen.

"Nope."

"And what if something important happens there?" Munazza questioned.

"Saman's there." Ahad said with a mischievous grin.

"Of course...always depending on others for your work. When will you take things seriously Ahad?" Munazza sounded disappointed.

"Ammi, Saman isn't 'others'." Ahad said. He was now sitting straight, his tablet was now kept aside. Gone was his fun mood.

"But don't you always do what you're doing right now. You're either copying her notes or assignment. At least try something on your own."

"Ammi wasn't Nadia enough of a subject for taunting me that now Saman also had joined the list?" It would be a lie if he said that he wasn't hurt.

"Leave this. Get ready and come down fast." Munazza brushed off the topic, something she had been doing for a long time that too unknowingly.

"Why?"

"Take us shopping."

"Isn't anyone else around?" He asked, he wasn't fond of the ladies' shopping spree.

"Nobody is jobless like you. Get down fast."

Ouch.

Munazza left, Ahad sighed. The day didn't turn out to be a healing one, as he had wished it to be. Munazza's taunts were on the top of the list of the turn offs for the day. And second being this damn shopping tour. He knew the ladies would not take less than a good few hours, that meant most of the day.

What a day!

Two SUVs were lining the driveway of Shah Haveli awaiting the arrival of ladies of the house. Ahad was leaning on one of the cars with his shades on and hands tucked in his pants pocket. So like Ahad and that's how Noor found him. Shaking her head lightly she walked to him.

"I had some doubts about your senses Ahad but now I am so sure they don't work." She commented, making Ahad turn towards her.

"Why are you standing in the sun?" She asked Ahad to shrug his shoulders. Idiot.

"Where are everyone and by the way aapi, you had an off today?"

"Nope, I took a leave." Noor said nonchalantly. Ahad frowned. His mind went to the conversation he had with his mother.

"Who all are going aapi?"

"Beside elder ladies, me Mansha and Sara."

"And all of you took a leave?" He asked making Noor look at him, puzzled

"Isn't it obvious." She said.

"Yeah."Ahad whispered thoughtfully.

He had always wondered why the rules for him were so different from everyone. So much more was expected from him.

Not wanting to delve deeper into his jumbled up thoughts he brushed them off. Maybe he was just thinking too much.

__________

If Ahad thought the rest of the day was going to be bad, he was wrong it was going worse. The whole group of ladies were so busy in their shopping spree that they had lost count of time. The small market area was jam packed and till now they had switched so many shops, and he was sure that not everyone of them were in one shop.

They were here for more than an hour and that too in scorching heat, but why would the ladies care. They were inside the air conditioned shops while he was standing outside. In the sun. He so wished to barge in or go back to the car but couldn't. First the shop was a ladies shop and second their car was parked at a good distance and he couldn't just leave them all alone. So here he was, burning in the heat, trying not to lose patience.

What a great day it was!

He was on his second can of coke when he heard his name being called. He turned around and found his mother gesturing him to go inside. He shook his head, making her frown and glare at him. He was not going inside. He mouthed a no and shook his head more making Munazza scowl at him but nevertheless come outside.

"What happened?"he asked.

"Take the girls to the jewelry shop. It's on the right lane." She ordered him.

"And what about you all?" He asked.

"We will be here for some more time, Rahman Sahab's family is here too. Just go with the girls and come back quickly." Munazza said and went inside, making Ahad sigh.

"Bhai let's go." Sara called, making him lock his phone and look up only to find an addition to the girl's group.

"Yeah come." He said, looking away. Sara and Alizeh took the lead, Noor and Mansha followed suit.

"Tired?" Noor asked, making him nod.

"Don't worry we will be done soon." She said, making him smile at her genuinely. Finally someone who was concerned! As promised by Noor it didn't take the four of them to decide what to buy which was a relief to him, then he remembered they weren't Saman. That girl can never ever choose between two things. But anyways he was relieved.

"Aapi you guys wait here I will be back."

"Where are you going?" Noor asked. The market area was buzzing with people of all kinds and standing there with the girls was not a good idea.

"I won't take much time, it's better for you to stay here. That area is crowded." He said, making Noor nod. Noor turned towards the girls and informed them about Ahad.

"Why is he so random?" Sara asked exasperatedly, making the three of them chuckle. He sure was random, unpredictable. And as he promised, the unpredictable man came back in a few minutes, almost running towards them dodging people here and there and at the same time balancing something in his hand.

"Here take these, I will bring the rest." He said breathlessly while handing three clay glasses to Noor. Noor looked at him with a questioning gaze, making him grin.

"It's lassi and don't start without me!"

"Why is he actually so random?" This time it was Noor. Sara just shrugged her shoulders, Mansha just shook her head while Alizeh was just staring at the glasses. It didn't fit to comment anything but she sure was surprised at this suddenness.

In no time Ahad was back, with two more glasses. He was sweating but it seemed like it had no effect on him.

"Come on it will get warm. I didn't burn in the sun for you all to just stare at me and disrespect lassi." He exclaimed. Talk about mood changes.

"It's so good!" Mansha exclaimed louder than she intended to, making some heads turn towards her. Embarrassed, she looked down only for her cousins to laugh like no tomorrow. Talk about being crazy.

"Why are you all so mean?"

Again they laughed. But she didn't mind. And even they knew she didn't. The tiring shopping day wasn't feeling anymore annoying to any of them. The sun hadn't calmed down nor did the crowd lessen. It was just the lassi that did wonders.

Alizeh chuckled again at something Sara said, she sure was enjoying their banters. Initially it was just a boring shopping trip but she couldn't say the same for it now. She was having a good time with the Shah cousins. They reminded her of her own who were no less than a riot. It's all about being together with our own people and every worry, bad mood just vanishes within a click of people. And somewhere she knew The Shah cousins were going to be a lot for her than just friends.

She smiled at her thoughts and took another long sip of her lassi, ending up slurping loudly and gaining the attention of the Shah cousins. They looked at her with wide eyes making her smile awkwardly,talk about embarrassment.

"Sorry." She whispered, making them look at each other and then chuckle.

"What for? The lassi deserves that adorable reaction." Noor said in between her laugh. Alizeh too giggled at this unaware of the effect it had on someone. Someone who just looked away...with a faint smile on his face.

Cute.

_________

Several days passed, not in a blink...yet not slowly. Just in a pace that everyone knew of days turning into nights and nights into days. It was blissful for some and pure confusion for others.
In all this there was one who knew what to do...the same person that once was in denial and in a frenzy. And he did, the best he could think for himself but what about her?

From the day Zeeshan had given a clear answer to his parents for going on with the whole marriage thing he had felt a calm surrounding him. His parents were delighted, Rameesha did taunt him of doing the same thing she was doing but it was short lived. Her happiness took over the bitter feelings. Rest of the family had no idea about this whole fiasco and so everything was still the same. Preparations had started as the date for the wedding was of the week following Eid.

Doubled mess and chaos. Something so characteristic of The Shah Gharana. But that didn't mean it was less troubling.

And the addition to all this was the preparations for Ramadan. The ladies were almost every day on a shopping trip. As if they were ready to raid the whole of Alamnagar's market. Extra, just how desi families should be before a wedding and Eid.

Zeeshan too had been dragged in this mess for quite a few times. How could he escape when half of the chaos was for his wedding. And as he was so happy he had no problem with running around the whole house or the town.

But in all this chaos, he had felt a constant nagging thought. About Noor. He wanted to confront her, ask her a few things and listen to her side of story but every time he mustered up the courage...he delayed.

Zeeshan knew Noor had said a yes and he had asked Armaan too if her decision was entirely hers or not. He had received a positive response but he still wanted her to say that. Stupid brain and heart had been nagging him for quite a while.

"Zeeshan bhai!" Ahad's excited call made him look up from his laptop. There he was the idiots of a brother coming towards him with an idiotic grin plastered on his face. He raised his eyebrows making Ahad smile even more if that was possible.

"Get up."

"May I ask why?" He asked.

"No."

"What?"

"You asked if you can ask why then I said no." Ahad said, shrugging his shoulders, making Zeeshan roll his eyes.

"Leave it up to you to say nonsense things." Zeeshan said, shaking his head.

"I am taking offense but right now get up and come with me." Grabbing his arm Ahad said, making Zeeshan groan.

"Where?"

"I know you are getting married soon and all those wedding jitters must be on peak but that doesn't mean you just forget what's happening around you." Zeeshan raised his eyebrows.

"Ramadan ka chand dikh gaya hai, chalein terrace pe."[Ramadn's moon has been sighted, let's go.] Ahad was done. He spoke hurriedly and went back not before giving Zeeshan a look of pure disappointment and disbelief.

A faint smile crept up on his face. So, Ramadan was finally here and now only a month was left for his wedding festivities to start. He was getting married to Noor. How could he be this lucky?

Not wanting to get stuck in another web of his thoughts, Zeeshan got up and made his way towards the terrace. He could hear his noisy cousins from a distance. He was glad he had this bunch of crazily perfect people around him. He sure was lucky.

The view from Shah Haveli's terrace was beautiful, the far stretching fields and few orchards here and there added more to the scenic beauty. The Ramadan moon was clearly visible in the clear sky.

His cousins were hurdled at one side of the terrace and obviously bickering on something. They could never go without that even for a moment. He shook his head at their antics and walked towards them.

"Just one last!" Mansha cried, helplessly making him raise his eyebrows unknowingly.

"Don't be a spoil sport." Saman said, making Mansha roll her eyes but nevertheless pose for the camera. Idiots.

"Guys, the moon's not gonna wait for you all to get done with your pictures." Noor spoke calmly. He glanced at her for a brief second, wondering how she could stay calm with these idiots.

"Fine!" Ahad exclaimed and kept the phone back in his pocket and like an obedient child raised his hands in a crescent shape.

"Come on, stop staring at me, the moon's not gonna till you get fill of this moon here."

"You and the moon?" Saman commented slowly and even if he heard he decided not to speak, the moon couldn't wait more.

Getting done with their duas, they,once again went back to clicking pictures and of course bickering. Zeeshan could just sigh.

"Oye, keep your phones away now." Noor scolded them.

"Aapi." They all whined at the same time, making her raise her eyebrows. Her stare was enough for them to shut up.

"Chalo bhai batao sabki shopping hui ya nahi?" [Come on everyone tell us about your shopping].Mansha asked, making everyone look at her and then laugh.

"What an attempt to start a conversation." Saman commented.

"Whatever, I was seriously asking. Noor api your wedding shopping is done right? Or will Ramadan too be spent in shopping malls and shops?" Mansha asked, chuckling.

"Well as far as I know, ammi and elders are almost done with the dresses except for the Nikkah one." Noor said.

"Ooh aapi. Looks like you're going to get the dress of your dreams yourself?" Sara teased.

"There is no dress of dreams, drama queens. That will be from chachi's side." Noor said softly. She lifted her eyes up for a moment. If only he could see that, Zeeshan was busy in a talk with Ahad.

"Aapi tell me the color and type of dress you want. I will ask ammi to get one such." Mansha piped in.

"I don't know if that will be possible." Noor spoke nervously.

"Why?"

"I don't have any specific thing in my mind. I just wanted the dress to be white, but that's not possible, as you know here no bride wears white." She completed it with a tight lipped smile.

"Yeah you're right, no one's gonna go for a white dress." Saman said in a low voice. Noor looked at them with a smile, they all were disappointed she could tell that.

"Come on girls, tell me about your dresses. I couldn't even see them." Noor said, trying to cheer them up and it did work.

"Aapi let's go down, we will show you everything now that you're free!" Mansha exclaimed, making the girls agree with her, rather excitedly. Finding the girls heading back Zeeshan too got up making Ahad do the same.

"Ahad you go first I will be back." He said making Ahad nod and jog to the girls.

"Noor." Zeeshan called in a low voice and luckily only Noor heard him. He sighed in relief as Noor stopped in her tracks while the rest continued walking. She turned towards him with a perplexed look making him gesture her to wait.

"Noor can I talk to you?" He asked as soon as the others were gone. Noor arched her eyebrows but nodded.

Sitting opposite to her, Zeeshan took a deep breath. He was a nervous wreck.

"I won't take much of your time, I just wanted to ask one thing. Noor are you happy with this?" Noor's eyes widened at the sudden question practically being thrown at her. She looked at him for a few good seconds trying to comprehend what the actual heck he was saying.

"You are asking this question now?" She asked, emphasizing 'now'.

"I wanted to ask sooner but one thing led to another and I just got stuck up in all the mess. Noor look, your consent and decision matters the most. I genuinely want to know your view on this marriage proposal without involving any mediator. I don't want you to feel any pressure-"

"Wait a minute, you're just saying things you assumed. Who said I was under pressure? If you know I am a grown adult and have a functioning thinking ability might I add. My decision was mine and whatever it was I had already made sure to give my answer clearly. Did you not know that?" She wasn't calm now. She was frustrated, especially at everyone assuming her incapability of making a decision. What was she? A child.

"I did get to know about your answer, and I am sorry if you felt I was questioning your decisions." Zeeshan spoke after a brief pause.

"Call it my selfishness or maybe idiocy but I want to hear it from you. I have seen many instances where things get pretty messed up with mediators in between." Noor looked at him intently.

"I have always admired you, and this delicate relationship we are going to start means a lot to me. I do not want any kind of misunderstanding or problems to get in between. And that's why Noor, it is important for me to hear it from you. Are you happy and satisfied with me as your potential spouse?" The silence that took over after his words was thick, as if the very air had been frozen just like the two. Zeehan's eyes never left Noor, not when she watched him with perplexity, and not when she looked down nervously. He was keenly observing her every motion, be it her fumbling fingers or her deep frown.

"We are yet not in the position where I can tell you about me being happy or not, but I can assure you of my answer to your other question being positive." Noor spoke softly and without making eye contact with him got up to leave. Zeeshan heaved a sigh of relief, Noor had absolutely no idea what her answer did to him. He watched her as she walked away and when she was a few steps ahead he got up, he had one more thing to say.

"Noor."

She stopped.

"Nikah ka jora safed hi hoga."

_____________

Translation of what Zeeshan said-

[The Nikah dress will be white.]

Assalamualaikum everyone.

So, finally a chapter after a long wait.

I am sorry, first for the late update. Secondly you guys will have to wait a lot for the next update.

I apologize sincerely.

I hope you will understand.

Thank you so much for reading.

Instagram - _ayesharehan_