Inside the venue

As Zarian and Zayran entered the venue, Daniyal and Maliha rushed toward them.

"Finally you both are here," Maliha said, sighing in relief.

"Now there'll be some entertainment," Daniyal added with a sly grin.

Zarian narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"You'll know in a minute," Maliha replied mischievously.

Zarian and Zayran exchanged a confused look - the kind that said we're not ready for this drama.

Within minutes, Iqra approached them, flanked by two other women. Zarian and Zayran immediately understood what 'entertainment' meant.

"Meet my sons," Iqra announced proudly. "The elder one, Zarian. The younger, Zayran."

Then she turned to Zarian. "Zarian, this is my friend Rabya, and her daughter Fariya."

Zarian offered them a polite smile and a nod, then looked at his mother with slight panic.

"You two talk. We'll be right back," Iqra said sweetly and dragged Rabya away.

With a look, she signaled her other kids to move too. The message was clear: give them space.

Zayran, Daniyal, and Maliha stepped back... but hovered nearby, curious ears and all.

Zarian awkwardly stood there, fidgeting with his watch, eyes fixed anywhere except Fariya.

She cleared her throat. "I know... this is awkward for you too, right?"

Zarian finally looked up. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"No, no. I'm fine," she replied, politely.

An awkward silence settled between them.

Watching this from a distance, Maliha whispered, "Bhai, aap Zarian bhai ko kuch seekh dijiye. Dekhiye kaise sharma rahe hain. Agar aise hi rahe, bhabhi milne se rahi."
(Brother, please teach Zarian bhai something. Look how shy he's acting. If he keeps this up, there's no way he'll ever find a wife.)

Daniyal chuckled, "You mean Zayran bhai has experience in these things?"

Even Zayran raised an eyebrow. "Haan, Maliha... what do you mean?"

Maliha blinked, caught. "Uh... I mean nothing! Just concentrate on them!"

Back near the sofas, Fariya suddenly said, "Actually, I want to say something."

Zarian nodded. "Yes."

"I want you to reject me."

Zarian blinked. "Huh?"

"I love someone else. I just didn't have the courage to tell my parents yet. I need time. So... I want you to say no."

Zarian processed her words for a second, then nodded. "Okay. I'll say no from my side."

From a distance, Zarian noticed their Ammi, Iqra, clutching her forehead. Her steps were uneasy, and she swayed slightly.

"Ammi?" he whispered, alarm spreading across his face.

They all turned.

Zarian's eyes widened.

Without wasting a second, they rushed toward her. Even before they could reach, some nearby women noticed and helped her sit down.

A young girl checked her pulse with practiced hands, then quickly walked to the food counter. In no time, she returned with a fruit juice.

Zarian and Zayran were by Iqra's side now.

"Ammi, let's go to the doctor," Zayran said, his voice tight with concern.

They were just about to lift her when a firm but calm voice stopped them.

"Wait-what are you doing?"

They looked up.

It was Ayeda.

"Move aside," she said, not rudely, but with quiet authority.

Zayran frowned. "She's our mother."

"I understand," Ayeda replied, gently but confidently. "But her sugar levels have dropped. Right now, she needs this more than anything. I'm a medical student. Please... trust me."

Zayran still looked unsure, but Zarian placed a hand on his shoulder. "Let her."

Ayeda knelt down, an took out some tablets from her bag and gave iqra the tablet and the juice.

Zayran frowned. "What did you just give her?"

Ayeda looked up. "It's a glucose tablet. It will raise her sugar levels quickly.

A few minutes later, her breathing was steady, her complexion less pale.

"Thank you, beta," Iqra said, her voice still low but full of gratitude.

Ayeda simply smiled. "Aapna khayal rakhiye, aunty," she said, and turned away, unaware that someone was still silently watching her every move.
(Take care of yourself)

Zubair, Zayran, Daniyal, Maliha, and Zarian quickly surrounded iqra.

"Begum, aap bhi na aapna khayal bilkul nahi rakhti ... iss nacheez ke dil pe thoda toh rahem kijiye." Zubair said, clearly shaken.
(Begum, you really don't take care of yourself at all... have a little mercy on this poor man's heart.)

"Ammi, aapne toh dara hi diya," they all chorused and hugged her tightly.
(You really sacred us)

"Rukiye, mai kuch khane ke liye lata hoon. Phir ghar chalte hain," Zarian said and walked off.
(Wait, I'll get something to eat. Then we'll head home.)

After a small meal, they all left.

Malik mansion.
Zarian, Zayran, Daniyal, and Maliha were in their parents room.

Iqra lay on the bed while Zubair sat beside her, gently massaging her head. Daniyal and Maliha were pressing her legs. Zayran and Zarian sat on the other side.

"Tomorrow we'll go to the hospital, Ammi," Zayran said.

Iqra opened her mouth to protest, but Zarian cut her off gently, "No ifs and buts, Ammi."

Iqra quietly nodded.

After a few minutes, she sat up. "Now enough, I'm okay. Stop making me feel like I'm some patient."

They all smiled.

Then Iqra turned to Zarian. "Zarian, you tell me... did you like Fariya?"

The room fell into silence. Zarian replied calmly, "No Ammi... I don't think we'd be a good match."

Iqra's face fell slightly, but she didn't push him. "Okay."

Iqra and Zubair had never forced their children. They believed their children had to live their lives with their partners, so they should be the ones to choose.

"But Ammi..." Zayran said with a teasing smile, his eyes fixed on Zarian, "Today I noticed something..."

Zarian's eyes narrowed. "Zayran..."

"Zarian ki nigaahein kisi ko baar baar dekh rahi thi aaj," Zayran announced.
(Zarian's eyes kept returning to someone again and again today.)

Zarian gave him a betrayed, shocked look.

"Sach mein?" everyone asked in unison.
(Really?)

The idea that Zarian-calm, composed, private Zarian, was staring at someone was unheard of.

Everyone turned to stare at him.

Zarian shifted awkwardly, cleared his throat. "Actu... actually, Ammi, I think..."

"Yes, beta. We're listening," Iqra encouraged softly.

Looking down, Zarian said quietly, "I think I like someone, Ammi."

"Hayee Allah, sachiiiii?"

"Finally! Bhabhi mil gayi!"

"Kaun hai woh?"

"Kahaan mile?"

"Kuch baat hui kya?"

"Hum jaante hain unhe?"

"Naam kya hai?"

Everyone started firing questions at once, their excitement bubbling over.

"One minute! Ek ek karke pucho sab," Zubair intervened, smiling.
(Ask one by one)

"Kahaan mile?" Maliha asked.
(Where did you met?)

"Today. At the function," Zarian replied.

"Do we know her?" Daniyal asked.

"I don't think so. I saw her for the first time today," Zarian said honestly.

"Ohhh... love at first sight, hmm? Not bad, bhai!" Daniyal and Maliha said together.

"Naam kya hai?" Iqra asked gently.
(What's her name?)

"Nahi pata, Ammi." Zarian scratched his neck awkwardly.
(I don't know)

"Huh?" Everyone looked at him, baffled.

"That girl, Ammi... the one who gave you the medicine today," Zayran clarified.

"Acha woh!" everyone said together.

"She is very beautiful," Maliha said, grinning. "Waise, bhai ki pasand ko toh manna padega!"
(Well, I must say - bhai's choice is truly impressive!)

"Zarian, idhar aao," Iqra said, gesturing him closer.
(Come here)

Zarian walked over and sat beside her, his eyes still lowered.

"Zarian, meri taraf dekho," she said.

He looked up. Iqra cupped his face gently and said, "Tumne kuch galat nahi kiya jisse tumhe nazar jhuka ke mujhse baat karni pade. Apni pasand ka izhaar karna galat nahi hota, beta."
(You haven't done anything wrong that you need to lower your gaze while talking to me. Expressing your feelings for someone isn't a sin, my child.)

"Ji, Ammi," he whispered.

"Pasand hai woh?" she asked softly.

Zarian didn't speak, just gave a tiny nod.

Iqra smiled and kissed his forehead. Looking deep into his eyes, she said, "Ayeda Khan naam hai aapki pasand ka."

Zarian's eyes widened, lips slightly parted, the tips of his ears turning pink. He tried to compose himself, but failed miserably. Clearing his throat, he stood and started walking toward the door.

But before he could leave, Iqra's voice came from behind

"Kal office se chhutti le lena, Zarian."
(Take a day off from the office tomorrow, Zarian)

He stopped in his tracks.

"Kal hum aapki pasand ka izhaar karne unke ghar jaa rahe hain."
(Tomorrow, we're going to her house to express your feelings for her.)

Zarian didn't turn. He just gave the faintest nod, saying nothing because right now, he couldn't trust his voice at all.

Zarian's Room.

Zarian was sitting on his bed, a faint smile resting on his lips. In his hand, he held Ayeda's bracelet-the one adorned with tiny moons and stars. He traced their delicate shapes with his finger, as if the slightest pressure might shatter them.

"Sorry," he whispered softly, eyes fixed on the charm. "Aapse bina pooche le liya. Aapne bhi toh mera dil le liya... main aapka ek bracelet toh le hi sakta hoon."
(I took it without asking you. But you stole my heart too... so I guess I'm allowed to keep just a bracelet of yours.)

With that, he gently laid down, placing the bracelet on his chest and covering it with his hand almost protectively, as if he didn't want even the night to see it.

As soon as his eyes closed, those same hazel ones appeared before him. A storm of brown and gold, flecked with green along the edges. He opened his eyes and smiled to himself.

Turning to his side, he tried to sleep... but sleep was nowhere near him tonight.

After a few minutes of tossing and turning, he rose and walked quietly to the bathroom. He made wuzu, letting the cool water calm his racing heart.

Then he returned to his room, spread out the prayer mat, and offered two rakats.

And then... he lifted his hands for dua.

He raised his hands, eyes closed, and whispered:

"Ya Allah...

Main jaanta hoon jo kuch bhi hota hai, teri raza se hota hai.

Tujh se apne liye kabhi kuch maanga nahi, lekin aaj dil kuch kehna chahta hai.

Aaj uss larki ko dekha, jo dil ke bilkul beech mai bas gayi hai.

Uski muskurahat, uski aankhein... sab kuch.

Main nahi jaanta yeh kaisa ehsaas hai, lekin dil bohot arsey baad itna khamosh aur sukoon mai mehsoos kar raha hai.

Agar woh mere naseeb mai hai, toh us tak mera rishta asaan kar de.

Uske liye mera dil saaf hai, meri niyat saaf hai.

Main usse izzat aur mohabbat se rakhna chahta hoon, tere hukum se.

Aur agar woh mere naseeb mai nahi...

Toh mere dil se is ehsaas ko nikaal de, bina kisi dard ke.

Tere faisle mere liye behtareen hain, ya Allah.

Mujhe bas tere faisle par yakeen aur sabr dena.

Aur agar woh meri hone wali hai...

Toh meri mohabbat mai teri rehmat aur barkat daal de.

Uska saaya mere ghar par ho... aur meri zindagi uski hifazat ke liye ho.

Ameen."

(O Allah...

I know that whatever happens, happens by Your will.

I've never asked You for anything for myself, but today... my heart wishes to speak.

Today, I saw the girl who has settled right in the center of my heart.

Her smile, her eyes... everything about her.

I don't know what this feeling is, but after a long time, my heart feels silent... and at peace.

If she is written in my destiny, then ease the path that leads me to her.

My heart is pure for her, my intentions are honest.

I want to treat her with respect and love - as You have commanded.

But if she is not meant for me...

Then please remove this feeling from my heart - without pain.

Your decisions are always best for me, O Allah

Just grant me faith in Your plan... and the patience to accept it.

And if she is meant to be mine...
Then bless my love with Your mercy and grace.

May her presence be the light in my home... and may my life become her protection.

Ameen.)

He brushed his palms over his face, a calm sigh escaping his lips.

He had never touched her hand, but today, he held her in his prayer. And that was more sacred than a thousand touches.

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