Rubaab had an intrinsic love for culinary experimentation, particularly with junk food, and it consistently turned out well. Her innocent anticipation for Arsalan's reaction always accompanied her culinary ventures. However, her latest creation left Arsalan's face resembling a tomato after just one bite. He yelped, fanned his mouth, and promptly reached for the water she had brought.

Gazing at the plate, he opened the water bottle and downed its entirety, yet he continued to hiss. Rubaab, wide-eyed and guilty without reason, pondered if the spaghetti was genuinely bad.

"Rubaab...ya Allah larki kya dala hai isme? itni mirchi??" Arsalan exclaimed while sipping water. Rubaab shook her head in denial, certain it wasn't that bad. Nevertheless, she sought confirmation.

(Oh rubaab, what did you put in it)

"Such mai?" She took a forkful of spaghetti in her own state. Arsalan's eyes widened witnessing the quantity, but before he could intervene, she ate it and, like him, shouted. Arsalan quickly provided water, caressing her back.

(Really)

"Ya Allah tallah nahi! Maine suchi mai itni mirchi nahi dali!" she insisted to Arsalan, who nodded in agreement. "Koi bat nahi Rubaab...kabhi kabhar hota hai," he tried to console her. Her tears fell, leaving him unsure if they stemmed from embarrassment or spiciness.

(No, I really didn't add this much spice)
(Its okay, it happenes)

She shook her head and pouted. "Nahi, such mai!! Maine taste kia tha!! Itna mirchi nahi tha, maine kia tha." She cried, and he held her in his arms. Her heart vehemently rejected the idea that she had made such a mistake. It was inconceivable; she had tasted the food!

(No I really tasted it and it was fine)

Once again, his heart ached seeing his wife in tears. He knew she was sensitive, yet his heart couldn't bear seeing her cry so easily. Rubaab, with her timid personality, stirred a conflict within him. How was she supposed to navigate this life? She was Arsalan's wife; she should have a bit more resilience.

Arsalan was taken aback by her emotional response. Was she crying over this too? "It's okay meri jaan!" he reassured her, but she wasn't stopping. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he inquired, "Rubaab...kitchen mai kon kon tha tumhare sath?" She mentioned it was her and Sana. Arsalan was certain about one thing, but Sana? No! She would never do it!

(Who was with you in the kitchen?)

"Ap... ye bana kar kahin bahir gain thi...taste karne kai bad?" This time, she shared about her getting ready. He clenched his fists and hugged her tightly. "Chalo aik kam karte hain... We can go to your favorite restaurant and eat lunch there... But for this, you'll have to stop crying..." This was the only option to cease her tears. Waiting until they got home seemed challenging for him.

(Did you went out after making it?)
(Okay lets do one thing)

Rubaab brightened up instantly at the mention of a restaurant. She wiped away her tears. "Okra chalenge!" He chuckled at her demand and nodded. Excitedly, she stood up, momentarily forgetting the incident.

(Lets go to okra)

"Jao washroom karib mai hai... You can get fresh phir chalte hain!" She nodded and went away, her heart now at peace. Food!!!

(Go, washroom is near)

Arsalan took out his phone and made a call. After 3 or 4 rings, his mother answered. "Mama... Anabia phuppo ghar hain?" he inquired but learned she hadn't been home since yesterday, staying with one of her in-laws as they remained close friends.

(Mama, is anabia phuppo here)

Now, his suspicions were clear. It was Aliya who had done it! Despite him telling her to stay away from his wife, she continued to trouble her. Suddenly, flashbacks of Rubaab's belongings mysteriously disappearing and her college uniform burning started flooding his mind.

It was the second day of Rubaab's college journey. On the initial day, Rubaab had encountered some last-minute college glitches. She vehemently argued that she wouldn't go to college. However, upon returning home, a newfound excitement enveloped her as she diligently prepared for the next day.

Rubaab, upon her return, had entrusted her uniform for washing. In the evening, she found herself engrossed in pressing her freshly laundered uniform.

Arsalan, at home, inquired about her whereabouts. Upon learning that she was in the storeroom ironing her dress, he sought her out and discovered her immersed in the task.

Hugging her from behind, he nuzzled his nose against her neck. Rubaab initially flinched but relaxed upon recognizing his presence. She had grown accustomed to his proximity; it no longer unsettled her. While she diligently performed her task, Arsalan stood by her side, both lost in their own world, oblivious to Aliya's envious gaze burning upon them from the shadows.

"I'm done," Rubaab announced, and Arsalan accompanied her away from the storeroom, inadvertently leaving Rubaab's uniform still on the iron stand.

Unbeknownst to them, Aliya seized the opportunity from behind, maliciously pressing the iron onto Rubaab's dress at a scorching setting before departing. A sinister satisfaction fueled her actions, reveling in her vengeful pursuit against Rubaab.

When morning dawned, Rubaab discovered the aftermath of Aliya's sabotage. All her earlier joy dissipated, replaced by tears streaming down her face. In Arsalan's comforting embrace, she lamented the ruined state of her dress, ultimately leading her to skip her second day of college.

He shook his hand and heard Rubaab coming back inside, smiling, he gently took her hand and left his office. As they descended, he could feel the scrutiny of his workers, but he paid no heed to them.

Arsalan made Rubaab comfortable in the passenger seat and took charge of driving. They headed to Okra, and upon arriving, Rubaab let out a loud squeal, clapping her hands. Arsalan chuckled at her childlike excitement, secretly relishing it.

While enjoying their lunch after placing their orders, Arsalan noticed some boys around Rubaab's age ogling at her. An irritated sigh escaped him. He despised it when someone lingered their gaze on his wife for more than a moment. It stirred a protective instinct within him, making him want to confront those who dared to stare.

After finishing their meal, Arsalan swiftly exited the restaurant. As he was about to open the car door for her, they heard a boy calling Rubaab's name. Looking back, he saw the same boys who had been eyeing her. Shocked, he watched Rubaab enthusiastically greet the boy in the middle of the parking lot. Closing the car door with a thud, he approached her, placing a possessive hand on her shoulder, unaware that his reaction might be unnecessary.

"I can't believe you're here... Like mujhe Mirpurkhas se ae hue 2 saal hogae lekin ammi aj bhi tumhe yad karti hain! I mean karta to mai bhi hun lkin jo bhi hai," the boy exclaimed, laughing. Rubaab joined in the laughter, while Arsalan glared at him. 'Mai bhi hun?' Was his wife some dream?

(I came here two years ago, my mother still misses you, I mean...I do it too)

Turning towards Arsalan, Rubaab looked at him with twinkling eyes. "Arsalan... Ye hamare neighbor hua karte the Mirpurkhas mai jo 2 saal pehle yaha shift hue... Aj mile.. milye ye hain Adil," Rubaab said, about to introduce Arsalan when he interjected.

(Arsalan, they used to be my neighbour, I met them after two years)

"Hi, nice to meet you Adil and gang. I'm Arsalan Shah, Rubaab's husband!" He placed his hand on her waist, and Adil's eyes widened as he observed the interaction.

"When did this happen? I mean, tum to bhot choti ho na Rubaab!" Adil asked, his gaze shifting between Rubaab, Arsalan, and Arsalan's hand on her waist. Arsalan noticed Adil's scrutiny.

(you are still too young)

Adil was taken aback, and Rubaab explained her background. "Im sorry yar...hume bilkul nhi pata tha... Ye sab..so sorry," Adil apologized, and Rubaab reassured him with a smile. It wasn't his fault.

(I am sorry, I didn't know that)

"It was nice meeting you Adil... But we have to go now," Arsalan said, making Rubaab sit and joining her on the driver's seat. As they drove away, Rubaab waved at Adil.

"He was so clingy, God, larkiyon ki tarha kitni high-pitched awaz thi iski, pata hai ye tumhe lunch karte hue apne doston k sath kaise ghur raha tha...dil karraha tha marun isko," Rubaab looked at him with furrowed eyes.

(Oh god, he was so clingey, he got such high pitch voice, he was glaring at you during lunch too! I wanted to beat him)

"Nhi to...aisa kyun keh rahe hain...hahhhhh ap ko acha nhi laga mera bat karna...tabhi aise kheech kar le ae??" She teased him, and it was the first time she had seen him behave like that.

(No its not like that, ohhh you didn't like me talking! Thats why you pulled me)

His ear tips turned red, but he replied in a confident voice, "huh...mujhe kisi se aise irritate hone ki zaroorat nhi... Kyunk wo to sirf dekh sakte hain...lekin tum sirf meri ho, only mine!" Rubaab could only blush, whispering in a sweet voice, "Only yours." It was enough to boost his masculine ego.

(No, I dont need to get irritated, he can only look. You are mine)