Ayesha's PoV

It's almost evening and all the arrangements have been completed for the function at night. The guests may start arrive anytime soon. We all were exhausted after helping with the decorations and other arrangements for the late night reception at hall. Zahra Aapa have been sent to the beauty parlour to get her done with the make up and dress. Hiba went along with her to help her.

I looked at Zain who fell down on the couch completely tired. Beside him sat Shamz and Harif. We girls occupied the other couch and some were seated on the floor.

After our journey back from Darshana's place, everything became normal and he started talking to me as usual. But not for once he asked me about what Shamz has told me. I am sure that he heard it clearly because he was completely worried after that. I was relieved since he didn't question me regarding that but now I feel tensed. I think I should inform him about it. After all it's not a big issue and there is no harm if he knows about it. The only reason concerning me is I dont want anyone else in my family to know about it especially Mama and Bapuji.

"I don't think I can dance tonight. We have done what an entire event management does for the function." Zain said exaggerating.

"As if everyone here are waiting for your dance."Shamz said earning a smack from Zain.

"Dont start again. Not now please."Harif requested while taking a pillow in his hand and lying on the couch.

"Girls, are you not getting ready? Zahra will come soon after her make up and the function will start right then.We should reach the hall directly before that." Jasmine aunty told us.

"Oops. I need a little more time for getting ready."Sana said standing up and she immediately rushed to our room.

Following her Shahina and Hanah left. I looked at them amused because I know it will be only 5 minutes I need for my total make up. I even thought of not changing into another dress. But Mama will kill me then.

I saw Zain staring at me.

"What?"I asked.

"Can you please go inside?"

"Why?"

"Because we have something to talk. Boy's talks.
Better you don't hear."

He said making me wonder and without thinking more I left the place.
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Zain's PoV

Wow finally I am successful in making everyone leave here. Thank God. She obeyed as soon as I said. Now it's only Harif remaining. If he too leaves, I could have talk with Shamz freely.

"Why am I wasting my time here? I can sleep peacefully on my bed till the function starts. I am going. Would you guys want to join?"Harif asked standing up.

I shook my head and Shamz didn't even hear it since he was playing in his phone. Harif left and I was relieved.

Now it's only us remaining. This is the best time to talk with him about Ayesha's illness. Last night I clearly heard him talking with her about some check up. But I didn't understand anything. After that Ayesha was worried on the thought that I found out her secret. So I didn't ask her anything regarding that eventhough I was curious and anxious about her health. I was even angry with her for hiding such an important matter from everyone. What if it's some dangerous disease or something like that? Hope she is perfectly fine. Save her and be with her Allah.

Today Morning we visited Darshana and after that she was very happy so that I didn't want to spoil her mood. But not even a single second, I was relieved. I want to know what's her problem is and I want to do everything for her. Now asking Shamz is the only remaining way. He should tell me. Because I can't handle this tension anymore. It matters to me to know that she is safe.

I looked at Shamz who is now laughing while reading some jokes on his phone. Next dilemma, how to ask him. Even if I ask, will he share anything with me? Whatever I understood, he is her mind keeper. What if he is not willing to share a secret between both of them? I may be embarrassed then.

Anyway I decided to take that risk for Ayesha. If he didn't tell me, may be I would lose my control and hit the shit out of him till he reveals it. Its about Ayesha's health and how can he be so calm regarding it?

"I have seen so many girls drooling over me, but it's the first time I am seeing a man staring at me like this. Am I that much handsome?" Suddenly he asked still not shifting his gaze back from the screen.

I gulped. I am enough confident in giving him befitting replies the same manner. But chose to keep quiet this time. Because I need him now. He needs to open his mouth now.

"Yeah kinda. You are really handsome. That's why girls are drooling over you, even trusting you with their big secrets."I felt annoyed with my own words.

But his reaction made me satisfied with my comment. He now looks at me with widened yet confused eyes. I smirked.

"Excuse me what did you mean by that?"he asked.

"By what?"

"Do I share some secrets with someone you know?"

"Yes ofcourse. Ayesha is my cousin and best friend. I have right to know whatever concerns her."I said without a little bit of doubt.

He thought for a while before replying me.
"And I think I know her better than you and I know what really concerns her and what not. You started seeing her for past few days only. I know her from last 5 years."

It irked me more than anyone can imagine.
"If you really concerns for her, you should have taken care of her well. But you are not less than some irresponsible idiotic cousin. See how could you forget to bring her for her check up? Either you should have inform her family regarding her health or you should have taken the full responsibility of it."I stated.

His reaction was unexpected. He started laughing.

"Stop this."I shouted and he stopped while looking at me funnily.

"What's there to laugh?"I asked seriously.

"Zain you are over reacting."

"Oh is it? Then what are you doing? Under reacting? You are not doing anything the way it is wanted. Why are you so careless?"I was not really angry at him but the way he is handling everything made me feel like he is not caring for her. Atleast for me.

"Wait. What's your actual problem?"he stood up facing me.

"Tell me whats wrong with Ayesha so that she have to do some kinda check ups? Is she okay?"

He looked at me amusingly before smiling at me.

"You are thick friends. If my memory is right, I haven't seen her getting close with someone so quickly. Like she did with you. Didn't you ask her?"

"I wanted to. And I am sure that she will tell me everything. But I don't want to hurt her anyway. That's why chose to ask you before her."

He chuckled.
"Then go ahead man."

"Are you challenging me? If that's your intention, then let me clear it. I don't want a competition or argument now. After all we belongs to the same family. What I intends to say is, Ayesha. I just want to make sure that she is healthy and fine. It matters to me."

Now he is silent but still carefully examining my every feature. I must say now he is drooling oer me.

"Look Zain. I have no problem telling you about Ayesha. But I have already promised her that I wont reveal anything about her to her family. As long as you are her family member, it will be like I am breaking my promise. I don't want to hurt her by that. She is very sensitive."he shrugged his shoulders.

"But..."
He interfered before I can speak.

"I can assure you one thing. She is perfectly fine now. Dont worry."

It relaxed me a lot.

"But dont forget to give her a piece of mind regarding her regular check ups."he said like a request. "Like what. As a doctor she cares for the whole world, but when it comes to her own health she barely remembers anything."

I nodded with a smile.

"And about my care? I did care for her more than I ever did for my own sister. She is a part of me itself. So dont jump into conclusions without knowing the full story."

I felt guilty.

"Sorry Shamz..I..." he didn't allow me to complete.

"It's ok. We used to fight a lot during our childhood days. I am taking this also in that category. Never mind." He tapped my shoulder and went away.

I sighed in relief.
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Ayesha's PoV

I got ready in a white color salwar with some printed designs and I love to wear simple dresses even in parties. I came out of the room even before everyone else get ready. I walked towards the hall to see everyone are sitting there waiting for us. I looked around and didn't see Zain anywhere. My gaze fell on my mama's face and she glared at me seeing my attire. I had no other option than turning my face away avoiding her royally.

We waited for another 15 minutes and now the girls are all ready in beautiful dresses. They all are looking gorgeous and I felt very proud.

"Come on beautiful. Let's go to the hall."Shamz said bumping his shoulder on me.

Soon we splited into different groups and each occupied separate vehicles. I decided to take the car which Shamz is driving. For my luck only Hanah was there along with me in that car. We occupied the back seat and Shamz on the driving seat.

"Shall we go?"he asked looking back at us.

"Wait. Zain didn't come till now"I said.

"Bhaee jaan (elder brother) has gone to pick up Zahra Aapa and Hiba from the beauty parlour. He will come with them directly to the hall."Hanah said and I nodded my head.

Within 20 minutes we reached the hall. We got out of the car and Hanah went to the other side to join others. I was about to go when Shamz stopped me by holding my wrist.

"What?"I asked.

"Zain asked me about your check up."

I was shocked. Did he ask Shamz? But he didn't ask me anything.

"What did you tell?"I was curious.

"I didn't tell anything. But you should talk with him. He is worried for you. And the way you are handling yourself, I think someone needs to know this. Only then you will get some sense on your brain."he said annoyed.

I lowered my head.

"He was angry over the fact that I didn't inform anyone regarding this bit of information about your health. He thinks that we were not taking it serious. Poor man."he added.

"Ok I will talk with him and clear his doubts."I assured.

"You should. Anyway I am going. Some works are there as bride's brother."he left.

I entered inside the hall.

I took a seat at an empty corner where noone is there to disturb me. I started waiting for Zain to return back eventhough I have no confidence regarding how to tell him about this.
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Zain's PoV

I reached the hall along with Zahra Aapa and Hiba. As soon as we reached, the girls' gang took the bride along with them. I started looking for others and soon my gaze fell on the lonely soul sitting at the empty corner. This girl won't ever change. She is looking like an angel in a simple white color salwar and I must say she is the perfect example for beauty in simplicity. Like how she remains so gorgeous without any make up.

I walked towards her and sat beside her. But surprising me she didn't acknowledge my presence. She is not even aware about it. And at this moment I thought to give her a little shock.

"Ms.Ayesha Kasim. Wake up from your dream."I shouted into her ears and she immediately screamed covering her both ears.

I laughed when she stared at me in surprise.

"Zain you ...."she hitted me playfully and I didn't stop her since it's good to see her like this. Then she stopped while panting.

"Tell me what were you dreaming? Your would be husband?" I asked naughtily and she glared at me.

"Zain....can you be please serious?"

"Ok I am serious from now onwards. Noone can now shift me back to the funny mode I used to be. Tell me Ms.Ayesha Kasim, what would you like to do now. Can we have dinner even before the guest starts coming?"I asked in a serious tone making fun of her.

She glared at me.

"Seems like you are here for the marriage without an invitation. Dont worry I won't tell anyone."I smirked.

She became angry and stood up to leave. But I held her wrist and pulled her back. She landed back on chair and I held her not to fall.

"Zain what's with you and this pulling?"

"I am sorry."

"You and your sorry"she gritted her teeth.

I laughed. Its nice to see the angry side of her and I am teasing her whenever I get a chance only to see this.

Next few minutes went silent since she was thinking deeply. I couldn't help but stared at her.

"Zain, why did you ask Shamz about that?"she asked without looking at my face.

"About what?" I asked eventhough I clearly knows what she was indicating.

"You know that."

"I don't know baby."
She suddenly turned to look at me in surprise at my mention of baby at her.

Oops, my tongue slipped.

She composed herself before hiding her blushed face. I was wondered.

"What were you telling about?"I asked. This needs a deviation now.

"First of all stop staring at me."she said in a warning tone making me face the ceiling leaving her.

"If you had any doubt regarding my health, you could have directly talk to me."

I was annoyed at this statement.
"Seriously? You were sure that I heard those words from Shamz last night. Then also you were not willing to share it with me. So what should I understand from that? You can't talk to me open. Or you are still seeing me as a stranger. And then why the hell are you asking this now?"

I don't know whether I was so loud. She looked at me horrified.

"It's okay. Leave that. May be its your nature. I can cope up with that now."I said calming down.

"I am sorry Zain. I will tell you everything."

"If you are finally agreeing to do that only because you are still doubting whether I will ask Shamz again, then no need. I stopped intruding into other's personal matters when they don't want it."

"Zain, please hear me."she said pleading. A single look into her teary eyes, I lost all my anger in the fraction of a second. I don't know what magic she knows.

"It's ok. I was not shouting. I am sorry. Keep calm."I held her shoulders and she was finally relieved.

"Do you want to speak about that or should we move towards them?"I asked after confirming that she is completely fine.

"I can speak. It's not a big issue like you think. But at that time it mattered to me a lot. 5 years ago."

"What happened 5 years ago?"I asked curiously.

"It was my first year at college. I had met with an accident and injured seriously. I was hospitalized for nearly 3 months. With a big fracture at my left leg. Doctors had to implant steel into my leg for internal fixing. Eventhough I survived I had to do a lot of treatment. Doctor adviced me to check my leg twice in an year. That's what Shamz was saying about."

"But why are you hiding about it from everyone?" I was shocked. She had gone through all this. Here I am just afraid of an injection.

"Because I was sure that if mama had came to know about it, she wouldn't have allowed me to complete my studies."

"I didn't get it. Won't she understand if you tells about the accident? After all she is your mother Ayesha. And the accident it was not your mistake."

"I didn't tell because it was not an accident actually. A deliberate attempt to harm me or we can say a murder attempt."

"What????"I was shocked beyond hell.

"Yes. I will explain. During our first year of college life, there were a lot of ragging going on at our campus from our senior students who were happened to be from big influential families at Bangalore. You can imagine the life there. And there was one of my friend who came from some tribal community who was determined to be a doctor. She was the main victim of majority of ragging in our hostel only because of the community she is coming from. Losing all her strength and hope, one day she tried to attempt suicide."

I opened my mouth in shock.

"She was saved later. But she was not willing to continue her studies after that. Only because of the fear that those senior students will again attack her. That time I walked towards the principal's room eventhough everyone discouraged me and complained about them. Only because of my complaint, three of them got dismissed from the college. I got a lot of threatens in various ways. But I didn't mind it."

"You are unbelievably brave my dear."I dont know what made me do that, but I ended up hugging her once again.

I pulled back seeing her shocked and surprised face.

"So the students who got dismissed were behind that accident?"

"Yes. I got admitted in an hospital with severe injuries. That time I had no one to help me in Bangalore. I had Shamz's number which Bapuji handed over to me before my journey. I called him and he came for me. That was the beginning of our friendship. He was there for me throughout those three months and after that too. Till now. He tried to file a case against those gang, but later I forced him to withdraw it. I didn't want anything bad happen to him only because he tried to help me."

I felt respect to Shamz. This time from my heart.

"It was me who asked him to not inform my family about this. He promised me on the condition that I won't miss my check ups."

"But why did you ask him to do so? You needed your family that time."

"You know mama. She is scaring unnecessarily for me after my baba's death. Out of love for me. She fears that one day I will too leave her just like baba left us. I can't blame her. Because she loves me more than any mother can love her daughter. She didnt want me to study outside our state. Then also I managed to convince her because it was my dream. If she had came to know about all this, she would have scared and forced me to discontinue my studies using emotional blackmailing. I didn't want that. So I kept this as a secret away from my family. And Shamz helped me."

I stared at her without blinking my eyes. Because I didn't know what else to do. She made me wonder once again. 

"Ayesha, you are so strong baby. I am scared of even a small injection and here you are sitting infront of me after surviving from even more big attack. Without your family's support and help. How could you do this?"

"I don't know Zain. I didn't even think that I can return back from hospital bed like this. I thought everything has ended that moment. But Allah had another plan. He gave me strength to face every hurdle that came into the way of my dreams. He helped me to survive."

She lowered her head probably thinking.

"Ayesha."I called.

"Do you think that whatever I done is a blunder?"she suddenly asked looking at me.

"Not at all. I feel proud of you. I am glad to have such a strong one in my life. A girl who is capable of facing everything. I really love your inner strength dear. Not possible for everyone. But you."

She smiled at me. A smile that can brighten the entire world around me. It's the smile of her confidence, her hopes and the very inner strength of her.
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A chapter everyone waited for.

Looking forward to hear from you.