A week had passed since Arshad's discharge from the hospital. Beena Chachi and Dua devotedly attended to him, creating a cocoon of care around his recovery. Gradually, Arshad began to spend more time with Dua, engaging in conversations that, though not yet as easy as those with a "jigri yar," marked a significant breakthrough for Dua. They traversed the delicate terrain of their budding relationship, each step a testament to the fragile beauty of their connection.

In the tranquil lounge, Arshad found himself engrossed in conversation with his Taya Abbu, weaving familial bonds in the tapestry of their shared moments. Suddenly, Dada Jaan graced the sofa with his presence, casting a warm, paternal aura. The patriarch beckoned Mahid, and with swift deference, he hastened to the call.

No matter how much Mahid and Mahad revel in their youthful exuberance, their reverence for elders remains unwavering, the air resonated with this unspoken truth. Dada Jaan, his voice a blend of authority and affection, gently admonished Mahid, "Mahid, maine tumhe kaha tha, char baje nikal jana... tum abhi bhi yahin ho.... Jao, tiyar ho jao."

(Mahid I told you to leave at 4, go get ready)

In the delicate balance of familial expectations and youthful vivacity, the scene unfolded, painting a canvas of respect and duty within the family's embrace.

"Dada Jaan," Mahid responded, momentarily escaping from the conversation. Taya Abbu, intrigued, inquired about Mahid's sudden departure. With a reminiscent tone, Dada Jaan shared, "Arey...wo yaad hai... hamare gaon mai jo zameen hai na... Arang Kel gaon mai (a village in Pakistan) wahan zameenon par kuch kaam hai."

In the air hung a nostalgic essence as Dada Jaan continued, "Main Rayyan ko bhejta par uske office mai kaam hai." The interplay of duty and familial ties created a poignant melody, resonating with the echoes of heritage and the responsibilities that tether generations together.

In a contemplative moment, Taya Abbu's thoughts turned to his daughter's long-cherished desire – to tread the ancestral soil where his roots intertwined with memories. A wistful smile played on his lips as he shared this cherished revelation.

"Mahid," he expressed with a twinkle of nostalgia, "Meri beti kinhamesha ye khwahish thi ke woh apne walid ke paida hony aur barhny wale gaon ko dekhe " The air shimmered with the delicate dance of dreams as Taya Abbu continued, "Hadia ko sath le jao; usay wohi raastein chalne do, usay woh gaon ki zameenon ki khushboo mein mehka do, aur hamari milkiyat ki charaghon mein apni ta'alluqat ko taqat do"

(My daughter has always harbored the wish to immerse herself in the essence of the village where her father was born and raised)

(Take Hadia with you; let her walk the same paths, breathe in the rustic melodies, and forge her connection with the tapestry of our shared heritage)

The moment held the weight of unspoken emotions, a blend of paternal love, filial longing, and the poetic allure of tracing one's origins. As Mahid prepared to embark on the journey with Hadia, the familial tapestry unfolded, weaving together the threads of past and present into a timeless narrative.
----

Mahid sat in his car, immersed in quiet contemplation, when Hadia came running towards him. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she eagerly embarked on a long-held wish to visit the village. Taking her place in the passenger seat, she bestowed upon Mahid a smile so enchanting that it nearly stole his breath away. The air buzzed with anticipation as they commenced their journey, weaving in and out of moments filled with tender conversation.

In the midst of their journey, just before reaching Arengkal, their car succumbed to a halt. Annoyed and vexed, Mahid disembarked and lifted the car's hood. Diagnosing the issue, he directed Hadia to stay in the car while he sought assistance.

Amidst the silence, distant sounds reached Mahid's ears, drawing his attention to approaching figures. As they drew near, a robust man with a substantial belly inquired, "Kya kar rahe ho yahan... Kuch masla hai tumhari gadi mein."

(what are you doing here, any problem with your car?)

"Yes," Mahid confirmed, his gaze intensifying as a young man observed Hadia in the car. "Larki k sath ho...kya lagti hai tumhari ye," he remarked with a mix of curiosity and judgment.

(You are with a girl, who is she?)

Mahid, with a subtle furrow in his brow, replied, "Cousin hai meri... Or apko is se kya." The big-bellied man gasped, visibly taken aback, "Na mehram k sath gari mai jate ho... Hamare gaon mai aisa nhi chalta larke... Choro is larki ko yahan or dafa hojao yahan se."

(She is my cousin, non of your buisness)
(You are in a car with na mehram, it doesn't happen in our village, leave her and get lost)

Mahid's eyes widened with a blend of surprise and anger at the audacious statement. He retorted in a tone laced with fury, "Ap ka koi haq nhi banta ise yahan rakhne ka." Just as the tension thickened, the young men interjected, "You'll have to marry her, and if you don't want to, then she can gladly marry one of us." In response, Mahid, fueled by a surge of anticipation, stepped forward, delivering a resounding punch to the man's nose.

(You guys have no right to keep her here)
----------------

Mahid reached out to his Dada Jaan, recounting the incident, and his Dada Jaan sighed, expressing, "Nikkah karlo Hadia se Mahid... Age ghar akar bat karte hain" Mahid fell into a momentary stillness, contemplating, and then voiced his concern, "Dada Jaan, agar Hadia ki raza mandi na hui to"

(Marry Hadia, Mahid; we'll discuss the matter further at home)
(Dada Jaan, what if Hadia doesn't consent?)

After the nikkah, as they arrived home, Hadia found solace in her mother's embrace, while Mahid received reassuring pats on the back from Mahad. In the lounge, amidst Hadia's tears, an air of tension gripped everyone as Mahid began narrating the whole incident.

In a moment charged with tension, Taya Abbu confronted Mahid, his voice carrying a weight of concern and inquiry, "Kya tumhe koi masla hai is nikkah se, Mahid... Agar hai to abhi talak do meri beti ko" The room held its breath, a dramatic pause clinging to the air as the fate of their union hung in the balance

(Do you have any issues with this nikkah, Mahid? If so, divorce my daughter now.)

As Mahid's eyes widened in unison with Dada Jaan's, he emphatically rejected, "Taya Abbu, bhale jo bhi condition mein nikkah hua... mai Hadia ko pasand karta hun. Or nikkah ko hamesha nibhana chahta hun. Mai kabhi Hadia ko nahi chhorunga or kabhi koi pareshani nahi ane dunga... na hi kabhi rulaunga." Each word carried the weight of profound determination and a sincere pledge, infusing the moment with a touch of heartfelt drama that resonated throughout the room.

(Taya Abbu, no matter the conditions under which the nikkah took place, I love Hadia. I want to honor and cherish this marriage forever. I will never leave Hadia, nor will I allow any troubles to surface, and I will never bring tears to her eyes.)

In harmony with Mahid's sentiments, Dada Jaan extended his concern, asking if Hadia had any objections. Hadia, meeting Mahid's intense gaze, gently shook her head in the negative.

The decision was made for Mahid and Hadia's wedding to be arranged with Rayyan. Dada Jaan, yet to approach Rayyan and Maha, summoned them to his room. In a room adorned with a sense of anticipation, Rayyan and Maha, accompanied by their parents, took their seats. Maha settled on the bed next to her Dada Jaan, while Rayyan occupied the sofa, creating a tableau of familial connection and shared destiny.

Dada jaan cleared his throat "Rayyan...tum shadi k lie maan gae ho or..tumhari ammi ne larki bhi dhoondli.... Or wo larki hame bhot pasand hai"

(Rayyan you've agreed for marriage, your mother has choosen a girl that we all like)

Said Dada Jaan and Rayyan raised his eyebrow inquisitively. Nodding, he gestured for Dada Jaan to continue. "Maha bete, ap hamare ghar ki sabse choti bachi ho. Ap hame bhot azeez ho. Hum nahi chahenge k apki shadi kisi bhi aise insaan k sath ho jo apko khush na rakh sake. To hum sab ne faisla kia hai k apki shadi Rayyan k sath ho."

(You are our youngest maha, we all love you alot and we would nevet want you to leave this house, we all have decided that you marry rayyan)

In this dramatic moment, Dada Jaan conveyed his heartfelt sentiments, emphasizing Maha's cherished position in the family. Rayyan's raised eyebrow added an element of curiosity, creating a scene laden with emotional decisions and familial bonds.

Upon hearing the name Maha, she almost choked on her saliva. Glancing at Rayyan, she found him with wide eyes. "Dada Jaan, hum Aapke faisle ko samajhte hain par... Rayyan bhai... Wo to humse kitne bade hain... Or-"

Her words were abruptly halted when her mother placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Maha bete... Ap is bare mai Socho... Rayyan bhot acha larka hai... Or age is just a number."

(Maha child think.. rayyan is good guy and age is just a number)

Maha gazed at Rayyan, finding him looking at Dada Jaan with a small smile. Nodding in agreement with her mother, Maha rose abruptly and dashed away. Rayyan, acknowledging the need to follow her, stood up, but his chachu tapped him on the back.

"Mai janta hun tum use hamesha khush rakho ge... Hume abbu ne bataya k Tum bhi Maha ko pasand karte ho. Uska khayal rakhna or jao... Usse uski raay lelo."

(we all know you will keep her happy, we all got to know you like her. Go and ask her opinion) he smiled and nodded before going behind maha..
__________

Beneath the canvas of the night, Maha stood on the rooftop, leaning on the railings. Her thoughts echoed with the bittersweet realization of her unfulfilled dreams of being someone else's wife and the seemingly effortless denial of his love. Sighing, she found herself immersed in contemplation about Rayyan. His feelings were not unknown to her, yet the prospect of a lifelong commitment made her heart flutter with hesitation. She was aware that her parents and grandparents only wished the best for her, and Rayyan, a genuinely good soul, could indeed be an ideal husband. However, haunted by shadows of doubt from her past affair with arsh, questions lingered – would he truly accept her, and could she become a good wife?

Amidst the labyrinth of her thoughts, a gentle throat-clearing voice cut through the silence – it was Rayyan. Recognizing him instantly, she felt a swirl of emotions. "Maha... Listen... I know it's incredibly challenging for you, but I promise never to let you down. I truly love you, Maha, from the time when we used to play, and you used to be my wife. I will never let you shed tears. I am unwaveringly committed to supporting you and being there for you."

As Rayyan poured his heart out, Maha was swept away by a tidal wave of emotions, butterflies dancing within her, the sincerity of his words painting the night with hues of hope, love, and reassurance.

Maha turned towards him, her gaze locking with Rayyan's. "I know, Rayyan bhai... Ap bhot ache hain, lekin mai... Mere bare mai jante hue bhi ap kese razi hosakte hain... M-mai achi b-iwi nhi ban sakti ap k lie, bhai-"

(Ik bhai you are very nice but knowing about me, I dont think I can be a good wife for you)

In this poignant moment, Maha hesitated, her words a delicate dance of vulnerability and self-doubt. The moonlight cast a soft glow, adding a touch of melancholy to the conversation between two souls navigating the complexities of emotions and expectations.

Maha began expressing her concerns but was abruptly silenced as Rayyan pulled her towards him, gently placing his finger on her lips. "Maha... mai tumhe acha se janta hun... Tum mere liye bohot aziz ho... Aur bachpan mein sab ko attractions hoti hain... Mere liye tum bohot achi biwi ho, mai janta hun... Mai kabhi tumhe udaas nahi hone dunga, Maha... Aur yaad hai, kaise bachpan mein tum meri biwi banti thi... Mere office ke kapre, mere khane ka khayal rakhti thi... Mai tumse pyar karta hun, Maha," he spoke softly.

(Maha, I know you well... You are very dear to me... And in childhood, everyone experiences attractions... For me, you are a very good wife, I know... I will never let you be sad, Maha... And remember, how in childhood you used to be my wife... Took care of my office clothes, looked after my meals... I love you, Maha)

Maha's eyes welled up with tears, and with a sob, she rested her head on his chest, crying softly while he held her even closer. "Ap bohot ache hain, Rayyan bhai... Mai apke liye achi biwi banne ki koshish karungi... Mai apko kabhi udaas nahi hone dungi."

(You are very nice. I will try being a great wife and wont disappoint you)

As she uttered those words, Maha looked up into his eyes. In response, he chuckled heartily. "Maha, ab 'bhai' kehna chor do," he teased, making her feel embarrassed. Shyly, she ran from there, leaving him chuckling. Rayyan took a deep, peaceful breath, gazing at the sky, and softly muttered a heartfelt "Subhan Allah." The night resonated with a profound sense of understanding, love, and a touch of divine appreciation.

(Now stop calling me bhai)