Rayyan stood at her door, gazing at Maha, tears cascading down her face. With a sigh, he entered her room, taking a seat beside her. "What's troubling you, Maha? Why are you crying so much?" he asked, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. She closed her eyes, finding solace against his chest, and burst into tears upon hearing his gentle inquiry.

Stunned by her anguish, Rayyan's heart wrenched, seeing his dear one, his "dil ka tukra," in distress. He gently rubbed her shoulder and inquired again, "maha meri jaan, itna kyun rorahi ho tabyt kharab hojaegi, dekhe kese gaal or naak laal hogain hai"

(Maha, my dear, what happened? Don't cry so much, my love. Your health will suffer. Look, both your nose and cheeks have turned so red.)

Seeking solace, he consoled her, "bhai...u-usne kaha...usne kaha he doesn't love ke" and she cried harder.

(bhai, he said he doesn't love me)

Rayyan, bewildered, asked, "Maha, whom are you talking about? Whose words are these?" Making her look at him, he noticed her bloodshot eyes, reddened nose and cheeks, and quivering lips. "Arsh, bhai. He said he didn't love me," she mumbled.

Dumbfounded, Rayyan furrowed his brows, seeking clarification, "arsh, your aunt's son, right? You love him? Maha, do you even think about him? Your aunt didn't let her come to their house because of him. And you were contemplating about her son?" His anger simmered as he spoke.

She shook her head, sobbing, "No, b-bhai. He said h-he would agree to everything, but he just wanted to bring me down." Rayyan, feeling rage toward that man, pulled her closer, planting a gentle kiss on her hair. "What Allah does is for the best, Maha. It's good that he revealed it now. Everyone now knows his true colors," he reassured her.

As she looked at him again, she pleaded, "Brother, please don't tell Ammi and Abu about this." He nodded, covering her with a quilt, and left the room after ensuring she fell asleep.

Mahid, silently observing, approached Rayyan. Rayyan raised an eyebrow, and Mahid expressed his anger, "I know about arsh and this scoundrel, brother. I won't let him off easily. What does he think of himself?" Rayyan, meeting his anger with a small smile, responded, "It was a childhood love, and now it's over. Don't tell anyone. Maha's character will come into question."

As Rayyan turned to leave, Mahid added, "May Allah give a husband like you to my sister." A smile adorned Rayyan's lips as he muttered, "May Allah make me Maha's husband, too."
___________

In the warmth of the family gathering, joy and excitement enveloped the room. Dada Jaan, with a gleam in his eyes, turned to Rehana Begum, "beta, tell me, who is the lucky girl for Rayyan?"

Rehana Begum's face lit up with a tender smile as she shared, "It's Maha." The room echoed with smiles as Dada Jaan and Dadi Jaan exchanged approving glances. Turning to his younger son, Dada Jaan inquired, "What's your opinion, Rehan? Should we go ahead with Maha and Rayyan's union?"

Rehan, wearing a heartfelt smile, began expressing his concern about Maha's age, but before he could finish, Beena, his wife, eagerly jumped in, "Abu, whatever you decide is perfect. Rayyan understands Maha like no one else. He's the one who holds her close to his heart."

Laughter and joy echoed in the room, creating an atmosphere filled with happiness and anticipation. Dada Jaan, sensing the positive energy, decided to personally approach his grandson and granddaughter about the alliance. The room was now alive with a mix of emotions, from the fluttering butterflies of anticipation to the overwhelming happiness that permeated every heart in the family.
________

Under the veiled night sky, Mahad stealthily approached the kitchen, only to catch Zoya standing there. With a mischievous spirit, he gently jerked her shoulder, eliciting a startled yelp from her. As she turned, he couldn't contain his laughter, earning a swift smack on his head in return. Squinting, Mahad retorted, "Bada hun tumse, tameez karo, larki." Zoya mockingly laughed, saying, "Bas ek saal hi toh hai."

(I am elder, be respectful)
(Only by a year)

Undeterred, she focused on the stove, preparing tea. Mahad, with a hint of mischief, requested, "Mujhe bhi peeni hai, ek cup," and casually perched on the counter. Zoya, rolling her eyes, poured more milk into the kettle.

(I wanna drink too)

Mahad harbored a dislike for Zoya, finding her attitude irksome. He particularly resented the constant praise she received for her caring and responsible nature. Unbeknownst to him, Zoya held a liking for Mahad but never admitted it, wary of appearing desperate. Casting a sidelong glance his way, she placed the cup beside him and retreated to her room, leaving behind a subtle dance of emotions in the quiet kitchen.
_________

In the somber solitude of her room, Dua poured her heart into Esha Salah, seeking solace in the whispers of prayers. Abruptly, the door swung open, and Maha, bearing a worried expression, disrupted the quietude. Completing her prayers, Dua, with a sense of trepidation, questioned Maha about the source of her evident distress. Gasping for breath, Maha stammered, "Bhabhi, apko abbu or taya... abbu bula rahe hain."

(Bhabbi, abbu and taya abbu are calling you)

A foreboding sense engulfed Dua, her premonition deepening. Hastening towards the living room with Maha, she felt an eerie tension among the family members. Her chote mamu and Arshad had left the house earlier, and now, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken fears. In the living room, where Mumani was in tears, and Zoya mirrored the distress, Taya Abbu looked at Dua with a worried gaze. Quivering, Dua questioned, "Kya hua hai mamu?"

(What happened)

Taya Abbu met her gaze, delivering the devastating news of an accident involving Arshad and his father. Panic seizing her heart, the jounry towards the hospital cut with palpable tension and fear, as they reached Dua, veiled in her chadar, raced towards the hospital. The unfolding events seemed to be etched with an impending tragedy, especially when she recalled seeing Chote Mamu and Arshad leaving earlier. In her haste, Dua felt the chadar flowing behind her, a stark visual metaphor for the uncertain path ahead. With tears streaming down her face, she entered the hospital, guided only by her fear.

In the hospital, Rayyan bhai was in discussion with the doctor. His touch on her head brought a fleeting comfort, his words conveying that Arshad had sustained fractures but would be fine. In the whirlwind of emotions, gratitude to Allah mixed with an overwhelming love for Arshad, a love unacknowledged by him.

Later, standing outside Arshad's hospital room, Dua saw the agony of her husband. The night unfolded with only Dua and Mahad staying back. Mahad's insistence stemmed from being a man, capable of assisting the doctor, while Dua remained, her heart yearning for Arshad's well-being.

The next morning, as the sun cast its warmth, Arshad's groans filled the room. The memories of the accident resurfaced, and he struggled to sit up, only to find Dua, still sleeping, in his arms. Her innocent vulnerability melted his heart, and he silently observed her. As she woke, he gently tucked her hair behind her ear, savoring a quiet moment between them.

"Poori raat rahi ho?" He asked, his voice lingering a little adoration hidden by the gruff ness. She nodded innocently looking at him with her eyes weary with tears.

(You were here since night?)

He attempted to sit up, but his injuries restrained him.  Dua, in her concern, offered to call the doctor, but Arshad halted her, indicating he was just fine now. Overwhelmed, Dua couldn't contain her emotions, and her tears prompted Arshad to console her. She poured out her fears and emotions, questioning "or kab tak ye be rukhi rakhenge ap?, apko maloom hai mai kitna dar gai thi?, mujhe laga mai saas nahi le paungi" pouring out her heart with tears, she cried, Arshad listened, realizing the impact of her words. Placing his hand on her head, he could only remain silent. Dua's heartache intensified as she witnessed his reticence. Eventually, her emotions burst forth, and she embraced him, crying on his chest, expressing the fear and anxiety she had endured. Arshad, placing his hand on her head, felt the weight of her sorrow.

("And for how long will you maintain this indifference? Do you know how scared I was? I thought I wouldn't be able to breathe)

In the midst of her tears, Dua pleaded, "meri maa ki saza mujhe to na den arshad...iske meri kya galti thi...mai to kuch janti tak nahi thi, aik bachi thi mai!?" He looked at her, acknowledging her pain. She continued, confronting him about her mother's punishment, questioning if he would inflict the same on her? He remained quite, gazing at her face.

(Do not punish me for my mother's actions, Arshad. What fault of mine was there? I knew nothing; I was just a child)

Taking a deep breath, Dua implored "phir se shuru karte hain na? Arshad looked ar her with confusion lingering in his eyes. "Phir se shuru karte hain ye relation? Ap mai! As a friends?" She questioned with worried and painful expression. Arshad, moved by her sincerity, smiled through his own pain. He kissed her forehead, promising to embark on this journey together, rekindling a connection that had been obscured by past wounds. The room echoed with the silent resonance of their emotions, a poignant scene of healing and renewed hope.

(Shall we start this relationship again? Us, as friends?)