We were at the hospital Visiting Saif Bhai & Aunty Uncle They were still admitted and Saif Bhai was in coma ... Mahnoor Di was strictly Not allowed to come everyday to see saif bhai because she couldn't take it seeing him everyday like this yet she would sneak everytime and come here to visit him and would sleep against his hand .
" Amir Sach mein You should have let us be with you in this tough times and situations." Aarav Complained.
" Nahi yaar ... Its not about that The doctor had strictly Said no for visitors even Mumma , Papa and abeer Aarzoo were kicked out .. soha wasnt in position so doctors allowed me to stay here but see am happy now that you guys are here to pay us a visit "
" AAP LOGO NE TOH SHAADI BHI KARLI MERE BINA " a angry zainab walked in with a puffy face In anger and walked towards soha Bhabhi now .
" Zainuuu sun meri baat sab cheez jaldi hogi thi yaar "
" Waha beta waha Shaadi ke baad mein yaar hogai aur woh joh mujhe Jaan aur baby bulati thi usska kyaa .... Humhare shaadi ke sapanon ka kya .... AB MERE BACHE TUMHE MASI BULAYEGE SHARAM KARO SOHA "
" Hmm Point to be fixed pelhe aur abhi bhi Soha ke bacho ki masi tum aur vica versa " I said .
" NOPE MEIN HUMHARE BACHO KI MAA THI AUR YEH BAAP BUT AB YEH SHAK KE WAHAJ SE HUM DONO MASIYAN BANGAYE "
She added dramatically making me sigh just best friend things i guess .
"ZAINU MEIN MAA NAHI BAANI HOON ABHI. TAK CALM DOWN MERE BACHO KA BAAP TUM HI HOGI DW " soha said looking deeply into her eyes making Amir bhai's heart race he quickly drifted them apart and said .
" WAH BHAI WAH EK KAAM KARTE MAMI KHO BOLTI TUM MEIN LESBIAN HOON MUJHE ZAINAB SE SHAADI KARNA HAI WOH KARWADETI meri kyu zindagi barbad ki tum ne"
Bhai accused bhabhi .
" Abhi tak kiya kya hai jisse tumhara zindagi barbad hogai am pretty sure mujhe se tumhari zindagi garden garden hogi " soha said winking .
" So where were we baby ... " Soha turned and started talking to zainab and walked away .
" YEH PAKKA STRAIGHT HAINA .. yeh fir sachi lesbian hai " amir sighed only to hear .
" Straight for the world Lesbian for us two .. or u can say we are a Triple couple ... just like how you arhaan and Aarav are " saying this even adiya walked away MAKING ME BURST OUT LAUGHING AND I SAW HOW the three musketeers looked at the girls now .
"TAMNAAAA JAANNUUU " Aarzoo said running towards me and pulled me in a tight hug and Kissed my cheeks making abeer gasp this boy definitely has a eye on my girl .
" TUM SARE LADKIYAN EK JAISE HO CHEE " saying this the four men walked away .
" wtf was that " aarzoo asked .
" Kuxh nahi pelhi baar Girl romance dekha hai toh pagal hogaye hum toh roz dekhte aur kartw hai so its normal for us " I said and we both fell into a laughter truck .
" so accept kardiya " i said making her alert .
" TUJHE KESE PATA " "broo i recommend you duh i would know ofc .." she calmly said as we walked towards the car .
" ouchh tamu " She hissed in pain when i hit her head ...
" Why did you recommend mee pagal hai tu "
I asked her the genuine question.
" aare chill na yaar dekh basically mera Book select hogaya tha movie ke liye and for publishing by the malik Publishing or something and as yk i had my work address on it so My pa didn't see and sent my letters home and mumma ne dekh liya and so did maham di ... and fir acha kahsa sunya ki maat pucho ki why i didn't tell them i write toh i told them the reason now they encouraged me to take this ... but i know people will be shocked knowing Aarzoo khalid the fashion designer is also an writer toh socha tujhe bhi mere sath embrass karwane le chalu " and there she goes she gets another hit on her head from me .
" Seriously tu dost hai yah fir dushman "
" woh dost hi kya joh apne bestie kho sath na lejaye for embarrassment .... Chal na kohi nahi jab tak hai hum dono no one can embarrass us okay lets go " she said starting the car to my surprise
" Kahan Madam ji " she asked .
" Malik Publishing House duh " she said making an obvious face .
" wahan ab kyu "
" pagal kahiki Aaj hi hai woh meeting thats why i asked did you say yes or no " aarzoo said making an cute face while i hit her on her head and we both laughed and went towards the malik's publishing house .
The sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows of Malik Publishing House, casting a golden glow on the polished marble floors. Aarzoo and I strode through the lobby, a quiet but purposeful energy surrounding us. The space buzzed with the hum of creativity and ambition, the kind of energy that could only exist in a place where dreams were turned into reality.
Aarzoo walked slightly ahead of me, her black suit tailored to perfection, exuding both power and poise. Her sleeked-back bun emphasized her sharp features, and the confident click of her high heels against the floor echoed like a metronome of determination. In her hand, she held a copy of her book—the story that had started as a secret project but was now poised to become a bestseller and a film.
I followed closely, my blue suit fitting me like a second skin. The soft waves of my hair framed my face, contrasting with the sharp lines of my outfit. My heels matched the rhythm of Aarzoo's, the sound blending together as we approached the reception desk like a drumbeat announcing our arrival.
I hadn't planned to step back into the acting world, not yet. But when your best friend—who you've known for what feels like forever—asks you to take on the lead role in the movie adaptation of her book, how do you say no? I certainly couldn't. Aarzoo's passion for this project was magnetic, and when she looked at me with those fiery eyes, I knew I couldn't let her down.
The receptionist, a young woman with a tidy ponytail and a blazer as crisp as her smile, looked up as we approached.
"Excuse me," Aarzoo said, her voice smooth but authoritative. "We're here for the meeting about the book and the movie adaptation."
The receptionist's eyes lit up in recognition. "Of course, ma'am. You're expected. Please proceed to the conference room down the hall. The CEO will meet you there," she said, gesturing toward a polished wooden door further ahead.
Aarzoo nodded her thanks, and without hesitation, we turned and began walking toward the room. As we moved through the corridor, the sound of our heels on the floor was the only noise, mingling with the faint scent of leather and paper that filled the air.
"This is it," Aarzoo said softly as we reached the door, a rare flicker of vulnerability in her voice. She glanced at me, her brown eyes catching the light.
I gave her an encouraging smile. "You've got this, Aarzoo. This is your moment."
"And yours," she reminded me, her lips curving into a small, grateful smile.
I opened the door, and we stepped inside together.
The conference room was an elegant, expansive space. A long table dominated the room, its dark wood surface gleaming under the overhead lights. The walls were lined with bookshelves, filled with titles that whispered of ambition and accomplishment. At the head of the table, a large leather swivel chair faced away from us, its occupant turned toward the bookshelves.
Aarzoo's stride didn't falter as she approached the table, the room amplifying the sound of her heels. I followed, my own pace matching hers, but my gaze lingered on the chair. There was something enigmatic about the figure sitting there, their back to us, exuding a quiet authority that filled the room.
Aarzoo stopped a few feet from the chair and placed her book on the table, its cover catching the light.
"Hmmn, hello?" she called out, her voice confident yet tinged with curiosity. "Malik?"
As the chair slowly turned to face us, I felt a strange jolt of recognition. My breath hitched slightly, and I froze.
It was him.
Abeer.
The man seated before us looked different than his usual self , but his presence was unmistakable. His sharp jawline, neatly styled hair, and the air of quiet authority that surrounded him now made him seem every bit the accomplished CEO. This wasn't just anyone—it was Abeer Malik, Amir's best friend and someone I saw as an older brother i mean obvious to the fact i see AARZOO having a little crush over him ofc he's my brother now ...
But what truly caught my attention wasn't my reaction—it was Aarzoo's.
Her steps faltered, and her eyes widened in a way I hadn't seen before. Her perfectly composed demeanor wavered as recognition flickered across her face.
"TUM?"
The word burst out of both Aarzoo and Abeer at the same time, sharp and filled with disbelief.
I blinked, my curiosity piqued as I glanced between them. Aarzoo's cheeks flushed a deep red, and she quickly straightened her posture, trying to recover her usual poise. But I knew her too well. This wasn't just surprise—it was the kind of shock that came with unresolved emotions, the kind you try to bury but never quite succeed.
Abeer, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair, his dark eyes sparkling with amusement as he smirked. It wasn't a mean smirk—no, this was the look of someone who found the situation deeply entertaining, even as he processed his own surprise.
"Small world, isn't it?" Abeer said, his voice calm but with an unmistakable edge of humor.
I suppressed a smile, but inside, I couldn't help but marvel at how the moment was playing out. I had known aarzoo for years and i know how she acts around her enemies and her crushws and this one was definitely a crush probably more than that ...even though she vehemently denied it whenever I brought it up. She'd always brushed it off as "nonsense" or "a he's just my brother's friend eww," but watching her now, I knew better.
Aarzoo's gaze darted to me for a split second, almost as if seeking reassurance, but she quickly turned back to Abeer, her expression regaining its usual confidence. "I didn't know you were... Malik," she said, her tone carefully measured.
"And I didn't know you were the laila," Abeer replied, his smirk softening into a genuine smile. "The secret writer laila whose book is about to make waves in publishing and film."
The tension in the room shifted. It wasn't the awkwardness of strangers but something richer—a mix of unspoken chemistry or history and the spark of something new.... Did something happen between them ?
I crossed my arms and leaned slightly against the table, a teasing grin playing on my lips. "Well, this just got a lot more interesting."
Aarzoo shot me a warning look, her expression practically screaming, Don't you dare. But I couldn't help myself. I'd seen her keep her feelings locked away for years for any crush of hers thinking shes not good enough or not pretty enough or just because he wouldn't like her only if she knew they all were dying to date her ..and now, watching her face the man she might have a crush on now is my time to shine and be a cupid ... and i definitely know abeer also likes her the way he stares at her or even whenever he's around its like he surrenders himself around her ..
Abeer turned his gaze to me, his smile warm and familiar. " Hi Tamana ....still nosy " he said teasing me from the time when i was sneaking listening to Arzoo and convo in hospital... my bad i was just told to stay there by Aarzoo so she doesn't feel left out but now he thinks i was spying on them ... oh well .
"Only when it's worth it," I quipped, enjoying the dynamic between them.
The room seemed to hum with possibility. This wasn't just a meeting about a book or a movie—this was something more. For Aarzoo, this could be the beginning of a new chapter in more ways than one.
I smiled to myself, stepping back slightly to give them space. Aarzoo and Abeer hadn't just collided in a moment of surprise—they'd stumbled into what looked like the start of an entirely new story. And if my instincts were right, it had the makings of a very interesting love story indeed.
As I sat in my chair, I swiveled it slightly toward the bookshelf, reviewing the notes I had meticulously prepared for this meeting. The receptionist had informed me that Laila—our elusive writer—had arrived and was walking toward the conference room with her friend. She hadn't shared many details about this friend, only that she was likely the actress who would be working in the film adaptation of the book.
I'd known who the actor would be for weeks, and as much as I hated the idea of working alongside him—our personal history making the thought unbearable—I couldn't deny his talent. He was the perfect choice for the role. Still, I'd kept my expectations low about the rest of the cast.
The soft click of heels echoed in the hallway, followed by the subtle thunk of the glass door closing behind them. The sound pulled me out of my thoughts.
"She's here, I guess," I murmured under my breath, my eyes still scanning the papers on my desk.
I was just about to turn around when a confident, measured voice broke the silence.
"Hmmn, hello?" the voice called out. "Malik?"
The word carried a quiet authority, tinged with curiosity. It was a voice that commanded attention without even trying. Something about it made me pause.
I turned, prepared to greet the writer I had been working with—or perhaps her friend.
But nothing, not the details from the receptionist or my vague assumptions, could have prepared me for what I saw.
There she stood.
Aarzoo.
The name echoed in my mind like a distant melody, but my focus was entirely on the woman in front of me. She was dressed in a black suit, tailored so flawlessly it looked like it had been crafted solely for her. The sharp lapels and sleek lines of the blazer emphasized her elegant posture, while the structured cut accentuated her silhouette with effortless grace.
Her high heels added height to her already commanding presence, and with every step, she exuded an aura of quiet power and refinement. She was poised, almost regal, as if she had walked straight out of the pages of a fashion magazine.
Her dark hair was swept back into a sleek bun, exposing her neck and framing her sharp, striking features. Her cheekbones were high and defined, and her jawline had an edge that made her look both fierce and impossibly beautiful. Her makeup was subtle, just enough to enhance her natural beauty—a soft glow on her cheeks, a hint of kohl around her almond-shaped eyes, and a nude-pink gloss on her lips.
She wore minimal gold jewelry—just a pair of delicate earrings that caught the light when she moved, a bracelet that shimmered faintly on her wrist, and a thin gold chain resting against the base of her throat. The simplicity of her accessories made her look all the more refined. It was as though she had carefully crafted every detail of her appearance to reflect who she was—sophisticated, powerful, and utterly captivating.
And yet, despite all that elegance, it wasn't just her appearance that had me stunned. It was the way she carried herself. There was something about her posture—the way her shoulders were squared, her chin held high, her gaze steady but unreadable. She didn't just enter the room; she commanded it, without saying a word.
I couldn't look away.
For a moment, time seemed to slow. The light from the windows caught in her eyes, illuminating them like polished stones, rich and warm but with a depth I couldn't quite place. She glanced at me briefly, her expression calm, and in that instant, it felt like the air around us had shifted.
The logical part of my brain told me to speak, to welcome her, to begin the meeting—but I found myself staring, caught somewhere between awe and disbelief. She was... ethereal. No, more than that. She was breathtaking.
And now, standing here in my conference room, she was doing just that—silencing me with her soul & beauty
I realized I'd been staring a little too long when her lips parted slightly, as though she was about to say something. My throat tightened. Get it together, Abeer, I scolded myself. But it was hard—impossible, really—to ignore the way my chest tightened just looking at her.
Oh, God. She's making me fall for her at this point.
Her voice broke the silence again, smooth and confident. "Yes... I'm the secretive girl whose book is a sensation," she said, her lips curling into a faint smile. "Mujhe nahi pata tha ki Abeer Malik is the CEO of the publishing house. Amir bhai ne bhi kuch nahi bola."
Her words jolted me out of my trance. I cleared my throat, forcing myself to focus.
"Bolte bhi kya," I replied, managing to keep my tone steady. "I'm a very private person. He's barely visited this place of mine since we're both busy in our own fields."
Her gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before she nodded slightly, her expression unreadable once more.
I had to look away, forcing myself to snap back into professional mode. But the image of her—her elegance, her confidence, the way she had walked into this room like she belonged here—was already burned into my mind.
And, if I was being honest, I didn't want to forget it. Not for a second.
" Do i like her ?" I thought in my mind but was immediately snapped back when I heard them sit down .
" So Shall we start the meeting..." Aarzoo said
" hmm no actually We are waiting for The male actor .." i said and Aarzoo nodded .
" Yeh humesha Late hota hai kya "Tamana asked and i sadly nodded cuz this bitch is always late for everything idiot i thought in my mind .
" Hi Guys Am Sorry Am Late " Finally There He Is ..
Tamana Turned Back To See Who It is And her eyes went Wide ....
" TUM " seeing her reaction Aarzoo turned around and hit her forehead and gave me a look...
" Abeer tumhe Poore. Industry mein yehi mila hai kya " she whispered to me and i gave her a confused look .
" Hayeee Darling I didn't know you were this obsessed with me that you follow me everywhere....."kabir said walking to sit right infront of her.
" You both know each other ?" I asked and Kabir gave a smirk and said ....
" know Se bhi kuch zayad tha " he said and i could see a glint of sadness in his eyes while tamana moved Uncomfortably in her seat ... do they have a past ? I thought and looked at aarzoo it was as if she read my mind she just nodded her head and said don't bring any topic out ..
" Okay Can We All Stop This and Get Back To Work " i Announced and All of them Snapped out of there zoned out selfs and got in ..
After The Meeting .....
The sunlit office buzzed with the sound of keystrokes and ringing phones. Shelves lined with manuscripts, awards, and hard-bound books gave the space a polished yet creative vibe. Abeer sat behind his polished oak desk, his brow furrowed as he went through some papers. Across from him, Kabir sat slouched in the chair, legs stretched out, his confident demeanor unchanged despite the tension hanging in the air.
" Thats An Brilliant Idea Abeer And Am Glad To Work With You But Not This Time .... Sorry about that " what does she mean by that ....abeer though.
" Aarzoo Can We Speak For A moment "tamana said The two women exchanged glances and walked out, leaving Abeer and Kabir alone in the room. As soon as the door clicked shut, Abeer set down his pen and glared at Kabir.
"Ab tune kya kiya hai?" Abeer snapped, his voice sharp.
Kabir raised his eyebrows lazily, as though unfazed by the accusation. "Nothing, dude."
Abeer leaned forward, narrowing his eyes. "Kabir, mein jitna tujhe jaanta hoon aur Tamana ko jaanta hoon, mujhe pata hai kuch toh galat hai." He paused for effect. "Do you have a past with her?"
Kabir shifted in his chair, the faintest flicker of discomfort crossing his face, though he quickly masked it with his usual bravado. "It's nothing. And even if it was, I wouldn't share it with you. I don't trust you." His voice was cold, cutting through the room like a knife.
Abeer flinched, his jaw tightening. He watched silently as Kabir stood, adjusted his jacket, and walked out of the office without another word.
For a moment, Abeer sat still, staring at the door. Memories of laughter, late-night conversations, and shared dreams flashed through his mind.
"I miss him," Abeer thought, leaning back in his chair. "I can't lie—there was a time when Kabir and I were best friends. But now... it's just nothing. I really want to mend our friendship, but knowing Kabir, my words hurt him so deeply it'll take a lot of work to fix things. And now that I've realized he has a past with Tamana, it's going to be even harder."
Meanwhile, in an isolated corner of the hallway, Aarzoo stood against the wall, her arms crossed as she faced Tamana.
"Aarzoo, what are you doing?" Tamana's voice was tinged with frustration, her gaze firm.
Aarzoo blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, I'm not letting you get hurt over and over again," aarzoo said, stepping closer. "Your co-actor is Kabir, and if he's there, we're not there. You know how many romantic scenes my book has—I can't let him come closer to my best friend after what he did to you."
Tamana's eyes softened as she reached out and held aarzoo's hand. "Aarzoo, I get it. But this was your dream. It's fine... I can understand your feelings, but it's on me if I want to get affected or involved with him. And I don't care about him, I don't give a damn."
Aarzoo looked away, her jaw tight with emotions she didn't want to voice.
Tamana continued, her voice steady but kind. "I've worked professionally with people I don't even like, so it's completely fine. I want you to go inside and accept the offer. Also, it's Abeer. He'll make sure I'm comfortable—he thinks of me like a sister. Don't worry, okay?"
Aarzoo hesitated, torn between her fear of seeing her friend hurt and her own ambitions. After a long pause and much reassurance from Tamana, she finally nodded. "Fine. I'll do it."
The moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Kabir appeared, walking toward them. His tall frame cast a shadow on the floor as he approached, his expression unreadable.
"Listen, if you're uncomfortable with me, I'll cancel the whole thing," Kabir said, his tone surprisingly soft as he addressed Tamana.
Aarzoo stepped in front of her immediately, her protective instincts flaring. "You don't have to do any favors for her, okay? If she was affected by people like you, she would've left a long time ago. She doesn't care about you, Kabir. Not one bit."
Kabir's eyes flicked to Aarzoo, his gaze sharp yet calm. He took a step closer, his voice low but firm. "Just remember one thing, Tamana—nothing between us can ever be professional. You can never be a professional co-actor for me."
He pulled out his sunglasses, slipped them on, and walked away without another glance.
Aarzoo bristled with anger, her hands balling into fists. "What does he think of himself, dude? The audacity!"
Tamana placed a calming hand on Aarzoo's arm. "Let it go. He's not worth it."
Together, they walked back into the office, where Abeer greeted them with a hopeful smile.
" We are on " Aarzoo said and Tanishika Gave A Small Smile To Abeer Dil mein toh abeer ke ladoo poot rahe the thinking now they will work together.
"There's a movie announcement party tomorrow," Abeer said, handing them the signed contracts. "You're both invited. Please do come, okay?"
Tamana and Aarzoo exchanged glances before replying, almost in unison, "We'll think about it."
As they left the office, the tension lingered in the air—a mix of unresolved emotions, buried pasts, and uncertain futures.
The maid entered my room, carrying a tray of food. Her footsteps were soft, almost hesitant, as if she could sense the weight of my mood. I glanced at her briefly, the faintest attempt at a polite smile gracing my lips, but I quickly shook my head.
"No, thank you. I'm not hungry," I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.
She hesitated for a moment, her gaze sympathetic, but when I didn't say anything else, she nodded and left. The sound of her retreating footsteps echoed through the silence, and I was alone again.
Alone with my thoughts.
I stepped out onto the balcony and settled into the swing. The cold metal frame felt harsh against my skin, but I didn't care. Wrapping my shawl tighter around me, I let myself sway gently, the rhythmic creak of the swing filling the stillness. The evening sky stretched before me, painted in muted greys and blues, as if even the universe mourned alongside me.
And then, the tears came. Silent at first, just a single drop slipping down my cheek, but soon they spilled over uncontrollably. I wiped at them furiously, but it was useless. The lump in my throat grew heavier with each passing moment, and I couldn't stop the ache in my chest.
I miss him.
Saif. My best friend. My love. My everything.
It had been two weeks—fourteen endless, excruciating days—since the accident. Two weeks since I'd last heard his voice, seen his smile, felt the warmth of his presence. Two weeks since my world had come crashing down around me.
I closed my eyes, letting the memories take over. They were the only thing I had left to hold on to.
I remembered the laughter—the way we would tease each other endlessly, sharing inside jokes that no one else could understand. I remembered the late-night conversations under the stars, where we talked about everything and nothing, our words weaving a tapestry of dreams and promises.
And then there was that day. The day he changed my life forever.
Our favorite mountain spot. It had always been our sanctuary, a place where the rest of the world faded away. I could still see it so clearly—the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery shades of orange and pink. The soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. The faint hum of life far below us, too distant to interrupt our little bubble of peace.
I hadn't expected anything that day. To me, it was just another one of our spontaneous escapes. But Saif... he had other plans.
He stood a little distance away, his hands tucked behind his back, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with an air of nervousness. I'd teased him about forgetting the ice cream, completely oblivious to the storm of emotions brewing inside him.
When he finally spoke, his voice was low, trembling slightly. "Dearest Noor," he began, and my heart had stopped in that moment.
The words that followed were etched into my soul forever. His confession, so raw and genuine, had left me in tears.
"Aapka naam Mahnoor hai, matlab 'chand ki roshni,' aur aap sach mein meri life mein wahi roshni ban ke aayi ho..."
Even now, just thinking about it brought fresh tears to my eyes. He had poured his heart out that day, laying everything bare. I could still hear the quiver in his voice, the way his gaze never wavered from mine as he confessed his love.
"Main kab ka aapko apne dil se chahne laga hoon..."
And then, with a shy but determined smile, he had pulled out the ring—a simple paper ring he'd made just for me.
"Mahnoor, main aapko apne har din ka hissa banana chahta hoon... Kya aap meri zindagi banegi? Kya aap mujhse shaadi karogi?"
I had cried like a child that day, overwhelmed by the depth of his love. He had always been my best friend, my partner in crime, but in that moment, he became so much more.
Of course, I had said yes. How could I not?
"Of course, buddhu," I had laughed through my tears. "Tumse shaadi nahi karungi toh aur kisse karungi?"
His laughter—oh, how I missed that sound. The way his dimples appeared when he smiled, the way his eyes lit up with joy.
And then his teasing had started, like it always did. "Damn, it's been ages since I saw those dimples!" I had said, poking his cheek playfully.
"Yeh dimples sirf tab exist karte hain jab tum ho, Sunshine," he had replied, his voice soft and full of affection.
The memory made my chest tighten. That day had been perfect, a dream come true. But now... now it felt like a lifetime ago.
I opened my eyes, staring out at the horizon through the blur of my tears. The swing creaked beneath me as I rocked gently, my heart heavy with the weight of everything I'd lost.
Two weeks. Two weeks since the accident. Since Saif had been rushed to the hospital, his body battered and broken. Since I'd sat in that sterile waiting room, praying to every higher power I could think of to save him.
They said he was stable. They said he was alive. But he hadn't woken up.
"Saif..." I whispered, my voice cracking. "Please come back to me."
The emptiness was suffocating. I missed him so much it physically hurt. I missed his voice, his laughter, his silly jokes. I missed the way he called me Sunshine, the way he made me feel like the most important person in the world.
The thought of losing him forever was unbearable. I couldn't imagine a world without Saif in it. He wasn't just my best friend or my love—he was my home, my safe place, my everything.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the first stars began to appear in the sky. I closed my eyes again, clutching the memories close to my heart. They were all I had left now.
And as the tears continued to fall, I made a silent promise to him—to wait for him, to fight for him, to hold onto hope no matter how hard it got. Because if there was one thing I knew for certain, it was this: Saif and I were meant to be. And I would never give up on him.
The hospital room was cold, sterile, and painfully silent, except for the faint beeping of the machines monitoring my brother. I walked in hesitantly, carrying the weight of emotions I had been holding in since Saif Bhai's accident. The sight of him lying there, still and lifeless, made my chest tighten painfully. This wasn't him—this wasn't the vibrant, strong, and ever-smiling Saif Khalid who had been the backbone of my entire existence.
I pulled the chair closer to his bed, the screeching of its legs against the floor breaking the stillness. Slowly, I sat down and reached for his hand. His fingers were cold, his grip weak, but I held them tightly, as if my touch alone could bring him back to me.
"Bhai..." I whispered, my voice cracking as I leaned in closer. Tears blurred my vision, but I let them fall. I didn't wipe them away. What was the point? The ache in my heart was far too heavy to ignore.
Memories of him came rushing back, uninvited but welcome. I closed my eyes, letting myself drown in them. I saw a much younger version of him carrying me on his shoulders, walking around the house, calling me his "gudiya." I could still hear his laughter as he pretended to drop me, only to hold me tighter and kiss my forehead.
I remembered the countless times he shielded me from Dad's anger. If I failed a test, he would take the blame, saying, "Soha ko toh bas aur time chahiye, Papa. She's smart, bas abhi samajhne mein waqt lag raha hai." He would secretly hide my test papers in his bag and assure me everything would be fine.
He was my savior, my protector, my second father. When Mom was too strict, he became my ally. He secretly enrolled me in the dance academy I'd begged to join, and when I was too scared to drive, he taught me in the dead of night, sneaking me out so no one would know.
"Bhai..." I whispered again, my voice trembling. "Mumma aur Papa ghar chale gaye hain... doctors ne kaha tha unhe rest karna zaroori hai... but you... you're still here. Still like this..." My hand rested on his limp one, my tears dripping onto his fingers. "You promised me you'd always protect me. Why aren't you keeping that promise now?"
I sniffled, wiping my face with my sleeve as the lump in my throat grew larger. "Bhai, Mahnoor Di is slipping into depression. She can't handle being away from you like this. She needs you. I need you. We all do." My voice broke as I choked on a sob. "Please, Bhai, come back. Sabko unka Saif chahiye."
The door creaked open behind me, and I turned to see Amir standing hesitantly at the threshold. The moment his eyes met mine, he turned to leave, but I stopped him.
"Amir," I called out softly. "Please stay... I don't want to be alone."
He hesitated for a moment before walking in, his face etched with concern. He stood beside me, his hand resting on my shoulder as I let out a shaky breath.
I looked up at him, guilt clawing at me. "Amir, I wish I hadn't drunk so much that night. I wish I hadn't ignored Bhai's calls. I wish I hadn't let my ego take over just because he shouted at me." My voice cracked, and I felt the dam of my emotions burst.
I looked at Amir, my tears falling freely now. "He called me so many times that night, Amir. He even sent me a video of him and Mahnoor Di's proposal. But I didn't pick up. I didn't even bother replying. All because I was angry." My chest heaved with the weight of my regret. "How stupid was I? He's my brother. Mere liye agar mujhe maar bhi deta, toh bhi woh galat nahi hota. But I..."
Amir knelt in front of me, his hands gripping my shoulders firmly as he cut me off. "Sweetheart, stop it. Don't do this to yourself. Saif
never raised his voice at you before. It's okay that you reacted the way you did. You're human. You didn't know this would happen."
"But still..." I shook my head, my voice barely audible. "He was stressed, Amir. About the engagement, about Mahnoor Di, about me, about Dad. And I made it worse."
He pulled me into his arms then, his embrace strong and grounding. I buried my face in his chest, my tears soaking his shirt as I clung to him desperately.
"It's not your fault, Soha," he murmured into my hair. "It's not."
After what felt like hours of crying, I eventually drifted off. I didn't even realize when sleep overtook me. My head rested on Saif Bhai's hand, my fingers still clutching his.
I stood by the sofa, watching Soha as she slept. Her tear-streaked face looked peaceful now, but the pain she'd carried all day was still evident in the faint furrow of her brow. My heart ached for her. For Saif. For all of us.
The room was silent again, save for the occasional murmurs from Soha as she sleep-talked. But then, her voice grew louder, more pleading.
"Bhai... uth jao na... please," she mumbled, her words breaking my heart. "Aapki gudiya sorry bol rahi hai... I miss you... please get up. Dekho na, Bhabhi ka haath kharab ho raha hai because of you!"
I clenched my fists, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. Hearing her beg like this was unbearable. But just as I turned to wipe my tears, I froze.
A sound. Faint but unmistakable.
"Main kabhi meri gudiya se nazar kaise hata sakta hoon?"
The words were weak, barely audible, but they were there. I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat.
"Saif?" I whispered, my voice trembling with disbelief.
Soha stirred at the sound, her eyes snapping open. She looked at me, confused, before realization dawned.
"Bhai!" she cried, sitting upright and clutching his hand.
I turned to Amir, my heart still brimming with excitement and relief, and blurted out, "Omg, in this happiness I completely forgot... we should inform everyone!"
Amir opened his mouth to respond, probably to agree with me, when a soft sound interrupted us. My heart stopped as we both turned toward the hospital bed.
"Don't tell anyone yet," Saif Bhai murmured weakly, his voice rough but unmistakably his.
Both Amir and I froze, disbelief washing over us again. It was as though time itself had paused to give us this moment. I stared at my brother, my Saif Bhai, who was now struggling to sit up in bed. His movements were slow and strained, but there was life in them, life we had prayed for every day for the past two weeks.
Amir was the first to react. In one swift motion, he closed the distance between himself and the bed, wrapping his arms tightly around Bhai as tears streamed down his face.
"Saifuuuu! You're back!" Amir's voice cracked with emotion, sounding more like a little boy who'd just found his favorite toy after losing it.
Despite his weak state, Bhai managed to crack a small smile. "Gosh, Amir," he said, his voice raspy but tinged with humor. "Main tumhara dost aur bhai hoon, tumhari biwi nahi ki tum mujhe itna crush karo."
The room filled with laughter—mine loud and full of relief, Amir's half-laugh, half-sob, and even Bhai's soft chuckle. It felt surreal, hearing his voice, seeing his smile again.
"But you're my love too!" Amir quipped, still holding onto Bhai. "I missed you so much, Saifu."
Bhai rolled his eyes playfully, though there was a flicker of warmth in them. "Tumhara pyar mujhe zyada hi overwhelming lagta hai, Amir," he teased, making me laugh even harder.
Finally, Amir released him, stepping back to give him space. I leaned closer to Bhai, my hand still gripping his weak one as though letting go would mean losing him again. "Bhai," I said softly, my voice trembling with the weight of my emotions, "we need to tell Mahnoor Di. She's—she's really sick and depressed without you. She needs to know you're awake."
Amir nodded in agreement, but before either of us could say more, Bhai shook his head, his expression suddenly serious.
"I know she is," he said quietly. "I heard... everything that happened while I was unconscious. Soha, I'm sorry for everything—for scaring you, for being the reason she's like this. But don't tell her yet, okay? I want to surprise her."
"But, Bhai—"
"Just tell her I've made some progress," he interrupted gently. "That I'm doing better. It'll give her a little peace of mind, help her relax. But let me be the one to tell her I'm awake. Please."
I hesitated, my heart aching for Mahnoor Di, but the determination in Bhai's eyes left no room for argument. Finally, I nodded. "Okay," I said softly. "I'll tell her that."
He smiled weakly, his hand tightening just slightly around mine. "Thank you, Gudiya."
After a moment, Bhai's expression shifted, concern clouding his face. "Mumma aur Papa kaise hain?" he asked, his voice softer now.
I hesitated, unsure of how much to say, but decided he deserved the truth. "Mumma theek hain," I replied. "She was discharged today, and she's doing better. But Papa..." I trailed off, swallowing hard as the lump in my throat grew. "Papa theek hain physically, but... he doesn't talk to me anymore. If I go near him, he just tells the nurse to send me out of the room."
Bhai's expression darkened, a mix of sadness and anger flashing in his tired eyes. He beckoned me closer with his hand, and I immediately leaned into him. He wrapped his arms around me as tightly as his weak body would allow, his chin resting on my head.
"Why is Papa doing this to you?" he murmured, his voice heavy with frustration. "This time, he's taken it too far. Why is he so upset with you?"
Before I could answer, Amir spoke up, his voice tight with barely suppressed anger. "Because Soha got married to me," he said bluntly.
Bhai's reaction was instant. Without missing a beat, he raised his hand and smacked Amir lightly on the back of his head.
"Bhai!" I protested, half-laughing, as Amir rubbed the spot where he'd been hit, pretending to pout.
"Seriously, Amir?" Bhai said, his voice laced with mock annoyance. "Mere bina shaadi kar li aur ab mujhe bata rahe ho?"
"Humhe kaunsa pata tha shaadi hogai," I interjected, trying to stifle my laughter.
Bhai's brows furrowed in confusion. "Kab hui?"
"The day you fell into the coma," Amir replied, his tone growing serious as he explained everything. He recounted how Mahnoor Di had left her engagement, how he had walked out of his own engagement to be with me, and how Mumma's last wish had been for us to marry. He told Bhai how the nikkah had happened quietly, amidst the chaos of that day.
By the time he finished, Bhai's expression had softened. Amir's phone buzzed with a call from Arushi Phupho, and he excused himself, leaving Bhai and me alone.
"Are you happy, though?" Bhai asked gently, his eyes searching mine.
I hesitated, unsure how to answer. "I... I can't lie, Bhai. I don't know. It doesn't feel like I'm married yet, you know? But I am happy that I married him and not someone else. It's weird because I used to hate him, but... the way he's supported me these past two weeks, never leaving my side, made me realize how much he loves me." I paused, my voice breaking slightly. "I didn't know that before. But now I think... I'll give him a chance. He's been my enemy, my best friend, and now my partner. He's been there when I was all alone."
Bhai smiled softly, pride shining in his eyes. "Don't worry about our oldie," he said, referring to Papa. "I'll take care of him. Ab bas mujhe jaldi theek hona hai, phir hum tumhari aur Amir ki bohot badi shaadi karenge. Theek hai?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "Meri shaadi ka chooda toh ek baar hogaya, Bhai. Aap apni socho! I want to be dulha ki behen vibes before being a dulhan again, okay?"
Bhai chuckled, pulling me into a warm hug. "Deal, Gudiya," he murmured. "Deal."
_________________________________
HI SWEETHEARTS HAPPY NEW YEAR SORRY TO COME WITH A LATE CHAPTER BUT I COULDNT WRITE IT LAST WEEK AS I WAS TRYING TO COMPLETE MY BOOKS TERE BIN & FITOOR BUT NOW AM BACK AND HOPE UOU LIKED THIS CHAPTER ♥️♥️
Write a comment ...