It was morning. Soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting the room in a warm golden hue.

Ayeda stood before the mirror in a baby pink suit, adjusting her dupatta with delicate fingers. Behind her, the faint sound of a drawer closing came from the closet - a familiar click that told her Zarian was ready.

She looked into the mirror, her brows knitting slightly when she saw him step out, dressed sharply in a crisp white shirt, black pants, and a perfectly tailored blazer.

When he came to stand behind her, their reflections aligned.

“Are you going to the office today?” she asked, her tone soft, but carrying a hint of disappointment.

Zarian met her eyes in the mirror and replied, “Jii… there’s an important meeting today. Otherwise, I would’ve stayed. Sorry, begum.”

Ayeda turned slightly, a gentle smile touching her lips. “Why are you apologizing, Mr. Malik? It’s your work.”

Zarian turned her fully towards him and cupped her cheeks, his touch warm against her skin.

“If you need anything - anything at all, just call me, okay?”

Ayeda’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “What if I call you during your meeting?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Zarian said, “Then I’ll pick up your call the very next second and listen to you.”

She blinked at his sincerity, then teasingly said, “That’s so unprofessional, Malik sahab.”

Zarian chuckled, the sound low and rich. “Jab baat meri begum ki ho… toh kya professional aur kya personal, Sahiba.”

(When it's about you.. What's professional and what's personal)

A soft blush bloomed across Ayeda’s cheeks. She shook her head and said under her breath, “You say you don’t talk much, but whenever you do… you make me speechless, Mr. Malik.”

With that, she turned to leave, but before she could take another step, Zarian caught her hand and intertwined their fingers.

“Aise apne shauhar ko akele chhor kar nahi jaate, begum,” he murmured, his voice deep yet tender.

(You don’t leave your husband alone like this, begum.)

Ayeda looked down at their joined hands, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

Together, they walked to the dining area  her dupatta brushing against his arm, his thumb gently tracing circles on her hand, a quiet rhythm of affection that said everything words couldn’t.

After breakfast, Zarian left for the office, with Zayran following him soon after.

In the hall, Ayeda sat with Maliha and Daniyal. The morning light streamed in through the large windows, making the space feel warm and homely.

“Bhabhiii…” Daniyal called out dramatically.

Ayeda turned to him with a playful smile. “Jii, Daniyaalll?” she replied in the same teasing tone.

Maliha giggled at their antics.

“Tell us, bhabhi,” Daniyal said curiously, “what do you do?”

“I’m doing my internship,” Ayeda replied, her voice calm but confident. “And in the future, I want to become a neurosurgeon.”

Both Maliha and Daniyal gasped together. “OMG, bhabhi! Itna kaise padh leti ho!”

Ayeda laughed softly. “What about you both?” she asked.

Maliha spoke first, eyes lighting up. “I’m doing fashion designing. Someday, I want to start my own clothing brand.”

Ayeda smiled warmly. “That’s wonderful, Maliha. You’ll do great.”

Then Daniyal raised his hand dramatically and said, “And I’m preparing for the toughest exam in the country - UPSC! I’m going to be an IPS officer.”

Ayeda looked at him in surprise. “Seriously? I thought you’d join the family business!”

Daniyal shook his head proudly. “No, bhabhi. Business isn’t my thing. I want to serve the country.”

Maliha clapped lightly and said, “Bhabhi, let’s play something!”

“How about ludo?” Daniyal suggested eagerly.

“Sure,” Ayeda agreed with a smile.

They sat cross-legged on the carpet and started playing. The hall echoed with laughter, teasing, and little arguments over moves. In the end, Ayeda won, raising her hands in victory.

“Let’s play something outdoor now,” Daniyal said, pretending to sulk over his defeat.

“Like what?” Ayeda asked, smiling at his energy.

“Cricket!” Maliha said, leaning closer. “Zarian bhai loves cricket.”

Daniyal nodded, his tone softer now. “Yeah… but he hasn’t played in a long time. He’s buried himself in work so much that he’s forgotten how to enjoy life.”

Ayeda’s smile faded for a moment as she looked thoughtful. Then it’s decided, she thought. This time, you’ll have to play, Mr. Malik. I’ll make sure of it.

With a spark of mischief in her eyes, she looked back at them and said, “Alright then. Today, we’re playing cricket.”

Daniyal and Maliha exchanged excited glances. “How?” they asked in unison.

Ayeda smiled mysteriously. “Leave that to me. I have a plan.”

And with that, she stood up gracefully, her dupatta flowing behind her, and went to her room, already plotting how to bring Mr. Malik onto the pitch again.

Zarian finished his last meeting for the day and left the office, exhaustion quietly tugging at his shoulders. On the way home, he slowed down near a flower shop. Something about the sight of white and red roses made him stop.

A few minutes later, he stepped out of the shop holding two bouquets of white roses and one of deep red roses simple, elegant, meaningful.

When he reached home, everyone was gathered in the hall. A smile tugged at his lips as he greeted them one by one. He handed a white bouquet to Ammi, earning her soft, proud smile, and another to Maliha, who looked delighted.

Then he glanced around, eyes subtly searching.

Everyone noticed.

Daniyal chuckled, walking up to him and tapping his shoulder.

“The one you’re looking for is already waiting for you in your room, bhai.”

Zarian’s lips curved into a small smile one that reached his eyes. With the red roses in hand, he walked upstairs, each step unknowingly lighter than the last.

Outside the bedroom door, he paused, inhaled deeply, then pushed it open. The faint scent of roses already lingered in the air.

His eyes found her instantly - Ayeda, standing on the balcony, her dupatta fluttering gently in the breeze.

He walked toward her, quiet but certain. She turned, sensing him before hearing him. A soft smile graced her lips.

“You’re back,” she said softly.

Zarian nodded and held out the bouquet.

“For you.”

Ayeda’s eyes softened. She took the roses delicately and brought them close, inhaling their scent. “They’re beautiful,” she whispered, “thank you.”

Zarian smiled and then he went to freshen up, and when he returned, he found her still moving around the room, lost in thought.

“What’s wrong, Mrs. Malik?” he asked, leaning slightly against the dresser, watching her carefully.

Ayeda froze for a second. “N-nothing. What would be wrong?” she replied too quickly.

Zarian’s brow arched slightly, amused but patient. “Hmm… what did you do today?”

Ayeda hesitated, fingers brushing over the flowers absentmindedly. “Let’s not talk about that…”

He tilted his head. “Oh? Then what should we talk about?”

She took a deep breath, turning to him. “About what we’re going to do now.”

Zarian walked closer, his voice lower, teasing. “And what are we going to do, Mrs. Malik?”

Ayeda fumbled adorably. “We… we are going to cricket to play pitch..”

Zarian chuckled, interrupting gently. “You mean, we’re going to the pitch to play cricket?”

Ayeda nodded, embarrassed.

He cupped her face softly, thumb brushing her cheek. “Then why were you nervous to ask? Are you… scared of me?”

His tone wasn’t teasing anymore it held concern, care, and something protective. He didn’t want her to ever hold her words back.

Ayeda met his eyes, shaking her head. “No, I’m not scared of you. I just thought you’d refuse. I already told everyone confidently that you’re going to play with us… and I didn’t want to be wrong.”

Zarian smiled, warmth flooding his expression. “Then it’s settled. We’ll play. And next time.. don’t hesitate to ask. You don’t need to request me, Ayeda… just order me.”

A wide smile broke across her face. With a teasing twinkle in her eyes, she said,

“Then here’s your wife’s first order today, Mr. Malik, you’re going to forget your business, your meetings, everything… and play cricket with us.”

Zarian laughed softly and bowed his head slightly.

“As you command, Begum Sahiba.”

Soon, they reached the cricket ground Ayeda had booked. The evening air buzzed with excitement. Ayeda had also called her family, and within minutes, everyone gathered, chatting and laughing like it was a festival.

Now came the real challenge forming teams.

Daniyal clapped his hands dramatically. “Let’s make it boys versus girls! Zarian bhai and bhabhi will be the captains!”

Everyone agreed instantly..  everyone except Zarian.

He crossed his arms and said in a firm tone, “No. I’m not playing against my wife. My wife and I will be on the same team.”

Laughter erupted all around. His slightly sulking face only made it funnier, while Ayeda’s cheeks turned crimson.

She leaned toward him, whispering in embarrassment, “What’s gotten into you, hmm? Elders are here, Mr. Malik! You can’t just say things like that.”

Zarian looked at her, voice low and soft, “But I want to play with you.”

Ayeda shook her head, half amused, half flustered. “It’s just a game, Mr. Malik and it’s an order. You’re playing as decided.”

Zarian narrowed his eyes slightly, a smile tugging his lips. “Yeh galat faida uthaa rahi hain aap, Begum, meri baatoun ka.”

(You’re taking advantage of my words in the wrong way, Begum.)

Ayeda giggled and stepped back, pretending not to hear him.

The teams were soon decided.

Ayeda’s team: Iqra (Zarian’s mother), Maliha, Zoya (Ayeda’s tayi ammi), and Aliyah (Ayeda’s mother).

Zarian’s team: Zubair (his father), Iqbal (Ayeda’s father), Ibrahim (Ayeda’s taya abbu), Daniyal, and Zayran.

Maliha frowned, counting the members. “Bhai’s team has one extra player!”

Ibrahim smiled. “It’s okay, you all play. I’ll be the umpire.”

But Zarian immediately protested, “No, you should play too. We already have an umpire.”

Their driver laughed nervously but agreed to take the umpire’s role.

Just then, a deep voice came from behind, smooth and teasing

“I’m here to balance the team.”

Everyone turned around.

A tall man stood there in a black shirt, sleeves rolled up, veins visible on his forearms, paired with black pants. His sharp jawline, well-trimmed beard, and neatly styled hair made him look like he had just walked out of a magazine cover.

Daniyal’s eyes widened. “Bhaabhi..!” he shouted, then corrected himself quickly, “I mean.. Faris bhaiii!”

He ran forward to hug him, but Faris pushed him away playfully.
“Chipak mat, warna sach mein maar khaayega.”

(Don’t cling otherwise I’ll actually get a beating.)

Everyone laughed as Faris greeted the family. Iqra, however, held his ear between her fingers.

“Where were you, huh? A whole day passed! Zarian got married, and you didn’t even show your face!”

“Ahh.. sorry, pretty lady!” Faris winced dramatically. “I wanted to come, but I was abroad. Please, let go.. your hands are dangerous.”

Iqra chuckled and finally released his ear. Faris straightened his shirt and turned toward Ayeda.

“Assalamualaikum, bhabhi,” he said with a charming smile. “I know I’m late, but I’m Faris Mustafa - Zayran’s best friend.”

Ayeda smiled politely. “Walaikumassalam. I’ve heard about you.”

Faris grinned. “I hope… only good things?”

Ayeda giggled softly. “I heard you’re going to be my devrani.”

For a moment, Faris blinked and then his head snapped toward Daniyal. “Daniyal!” he barked.

Everyone burst into laughter as Daniyal ducked behind Zarian, peeking out like a child caught red-handed.

Faris sighed dramatically and looked at Zarian with a sheepish grin. “Sorry, bhai.”

Zarian just shook his head, smiling faintly before pulling him into a hug. “It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re here.”

Daniyal clapped his hands again. “Okay, now let’s finalize the teams!”

Faris raised an eyebrow. “What’s there to finalize? You're going in bhabhi’s team and me bhai's team. Rest as decided .”

Daniyal’s face lit up as he ran to join Ayeda’s side, proud to be “Team Bhabhi.”

Meanwhile, Zoya stood silently, arms crossed, eyes narrowed at Faris.

Zayran noticed and whispered, “Why is she looking at you like that?”

Faris smirked. “Unke saamne jisne teri tareef ki thi, woh kaun tha?”

(Who was the one who praised you in front of her?)

Zayran blinked, realization dawning. “Saale! Tune mujhe sanki bola tha!”

(You called me sanki?)

Faris shrugged casually, smirking. “Toh kya karta? Gali dete hue acha thodi lagta, aunty ke samne… isliye sirf sanki kaha.”

(So what was I supposed to do? It wouldn’t look nice to swear in front of Aunty… that’s why I just called her crazy.)

Zayran punched him lightly in the stomach, laughing. “Saale!”

Faris chuckled, brushing it off. “Bhai hai tu, maar bhi pyaar jaisa lagta hai.”

(You’re my brother, even your hits feel like love.)

Both laughed and walked toward the pitch for the toss.

Ayeda called heads, Zarian chose tails and luck favored Ayeda. She flashed a victorious smile.

“I won. We’ll bowl first,” she announced proudly.

Zayran and Faris walked to open for Team Zarian, while Daniyal took the ball for Team Ayeda.

The first over began.

Daniyal bowled well, giving away only 7 runs. Faris stretched his shoulders dramatically. “Time to show the real game now,” he said with a grin.

Next came Maliha for bowling. On her second ball, Faris went for a big shot but Ayeda, with perfect timing, jumped slightly forward and caught it clean.

“Out!” the umpire shouted.

The field erupted with cheers.

Faris stood there with a stunned expression. “That’s cheating, bhabhi! You were supposed to be the pretty cheerleader, not my wicket-taker!”

Ayeda chuckled, dusting her hands. “Learn to accept defeat gracefully, devar ji.”

Next came Iqbal to bat. By the end of the over, they had 15 runs with one wicket down.

Aliyah came for bowling next, and on her last ball clink! the stumps shattered. Iqbal was out.

“Nice shot, ammi!” Ayeda cheered, laughing.

Then came Zubair, Zarian’s father. Ayeda smiled mischievously and sent Iqra to bowl. As if planned, Iqra bowled a slow curve and Zubair was out, clean and caught.

The girls were on fire.

Next, Ibrahim came in, and Zoya bowled him out too.

Within minutes, the boys’ team was struggling at 99 runs with four wickets down.

Only Zarian and Zayran remained.

Everyone started teasing. “Now bhabhi should bowl!”

Ayeda shook her head immediately. “No, not yet,” she said, smiling softly.

Truth was, she didn’t want to get him out so soon. She wanted to see him play, to see him laugh freely, not the way he did behind meetings and files.

So, she sent Daniyal instead.

That over changed everything.

Zarian came alive with every shot, one six, one four, then another six. His focus, his stance, his calm aggression it was captivating.

By the end of the over, the scoreboard showed 129 runs.

Daniyal, now exhausted, came back to Ayeda with a sulking face. “Bhaabhi… now it’s your turn. Go bowl before the target gets too high.”

Ayeda laughed softly and agreed. She walked toward the pitch.

Zarian looked at her with a teasing grin. “So, Begum finally decided to face me?”

Ayeda smirked. “Try not to lose, Mr. Malik.”

The game began.

On the first two balls, Zarian took single runs. On the third, he missed and chuckled.

“Nice bowling, Begum. I can’t even hit a four.”

Ayeda tilted her head, smiling. “Want me to give a slower one, Mr. Malik?”

He raised his brow, playfully serious. “Yes, please.”

She bowled and with one smooth swing, Zarian sent the ball flying for a six.

“Thanks for the slower ball, Begum,” he said, flashing that heart-melting smile.

Everyone clapped and laughed. The chemistry between the two was so natural, it made even the family smile quietly to themselves.

The fifth ball passed with no run.

It was the last ball of the over. Ayeda took a deep breath, focused and this time, bowled with full force.

Zarian lifted the bat but a split second too early. The ball whizzed past and hit the stumps straight.

Out.

The family erupted in laughter and cheers.

Zarian stood there, blinking, before turning to look at her.

Ayeda grinned, walking a few steps toward him. “Thanks for moving your bat faster, Mr. Malik.”

Zarian couldn’t help but laugh. Her smile, her teasing tone it melted everything in him.

The final score stood at 138 runs.

Now it was time for Ayeda’s team to chase 139.

Maliha and Daniyal came to open for Team Ayeda, while Faris took the ball for Team Zarian.

In the first over, they played steadily, no wickets, 9 runs. The second over began with Zayran bowling; on the last ball, Maliha was caught out. The score stood at 20 with one wicket down.

Next came Iqra out by Zubair.
Then Zoya bowled by Ibrahim. And finally Aliyah caught by Iqbal.

The score was now 95, and only Ayeda and Daniyal remained.

Ayeda took her position at the crease. Zarian himself came to bowl.

The first three balls boom, boom, boom all sixes. Everyone gasped while Ayeda laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Zarian could only smile at his wife, completely disarmed.

“Want to give a faster one, Mr. Malik?” she teased.

Zarian shakes his head and laughed.

He bowled, and she swung  another six. The crowd burst out laughing and cheering. The next was a four, and the last ball missed - 123 runs on the board.

Now it was the final over. Six balls. Sixteen runs to win.

Zayran took the ball.

First ball - four.

Second - six.

Third - another four.

Only four runs needed in three balls.

Fourth - missed.

Fifth - two runs.

Now the last ball. Two runs to win.

Zayran bowled fast, and Ayeda hit a high shot straight toward Zarian.

“Catch!” everyone shouted.

The ball sailed toward him, he lifted his hands and it slipped right through his fingers, touching the boundary.

A four.

And just like that, Team Ayeda won the match.

Ayeda and her team cheered, laughing and dancing around in pure joy.

Zarian stood a few steps away, watching his begum glow in happiness, her laughter echoing through the ground and a big smile spread across his face. Soon, he joined the celebration too, clapping and laughing along with everyone.

Later, they all headed to a restaurant for dinner, where the elders decided that the reception would be held the following week. The night ended with smiles, laughter, and tired but happy hearts.

When Ayeda and Zarian reached home, Ayeda immediately collapsed on the bed. “I’m tired,” she sighed dramatically.

Zarian chuckled, sitting beside her. Ayeda suddenly sat up, her face bright again. “But I enjoyed every bit of it!”

Zarian’s smile softened. “So did I… after so long.”

After freshening up, they both lay down, a peaceful silence wrapping the room in warmth.

Ayeda shifted closer, resting her head on his bicep. Her fingers traced lazy circles over his hand, their breaths finding a quiet rhythm together.

After a while, she said softly but with a spark in her tone,
“I’m going back to my internship tomorrow.”

Zarian turned his head slightly, a smile tugging at his lips.
“Okay,” he said gently.

Then as if remembering something, he reached for the drawer of his bedside table. He took out a card and held it out to her.
“Waise toh jo mera hai, sab kuch aapka hai,” he said quietly, “lekin yeh sirf aapka hai… aapka haq mehr.”

She took the card and placed it in her own drawer without another word.
Then she turned to him and asked softly, “Do you have something to ask me? Because I… I want to do something for you too.”

Zarian smiled, touched because she wasn’t asking for anything; she was offering, selflessly.

He was about to say nothing, but she interrupted, her voice playful yet genuine.
“I know, I know… you’re the number one businessman, you have everything. But still, think. There must be something.”

Zarian thought for a few seconds, then gently held her hand. His thumb brushed over her palm the mehendi there had faded it's dark color, but its trace still lingered.

He looked up at her, eyes soft and vulnerable.

“Kya aap… humare reception par apne haathon par mere naam ki mehendi lagayengi, Begum?”
Then lowering his eyes, almost in a whisper, “Please…”

(Will you… apply henna with my name on your hands at our reception, Begum?)

Ayeda was taken aback not because of what he asked, but because of how he asked. The simplicity of his request, the innocence in his voice, it melted something inside her.

She smiled tenderly and said, “Of course, Mr. Malik. Why are you even saying please?”

They both lay back on the bed again, the world outside fading away.

After a few moments of silence, Ayeda, still resting against him, spoke softly, her tone teasing yet filled with warmth.

“Mr. Malik,” she said, tracing his fingers again, “you lost on purpose, didn’t you? That was such an easy catch and you didn’t miss it… you let it drop, didn’t you?”

Zarian didn’t answer right away. He looked at her - her eyes, her smile, her closeness. Then he leaned forward and buried his face in her hair, inhaling the scent of her mehendi and warmth.

And in a voice that carried both a smile and a sigh, he whispered,

“Apse jeet kar kaha jaunga, Begum…
kam se kam apse har kar…
apke seene se lagkar apni surat chhupa toh sakta hoon.”

( Where can I go after defeating you, Begum…
but at least by losing to you,
I can hide my face against your chest.)

She would plan everything, convince everyone, just so he could enjoy his day without a worry and he would lose every single game just to see her smile.

___________________________________________

‼️ Important ‼️

My exam dates have been announced they’re in December.
I only have one month left to prepare, so I’ll be taking a short break until January. The next chapter will hopefully be out on 3rd January.
I hope you all understand and can wait patiently. Please remember me in your prayers!
(Bass pass hojao yaar)