"

They reach home chatting and laughing about their day and moved inside finding the lights off and sighing in relief.

They moved toward the kitchen to eat something as they skip the dinner and their running section has left them hungry.

But the moment, they started plating food the lights turned on and an intimidating voice speak making both of them startled as they gulped their saliva in fear.

"Where the hell were you guys?"

Maham closed her eyes ready to get scolded and Affan squeezed her hand giving her reassurance that he will handle this.

But before he can look at Maham the person again spoke.

"Tell me where were you or I have to get it out of you both?"

They looked at each other and turned around to explain to Naseem beghum that why they come late with another excuse.

The fear clear in their eyes but the moment they saw the person behind them, they were more surprised.

In front of them stood the 18 years old drama queen of their house Hina Ahmed Qureshi who was an expert in mimicking her mother.

She pulled prank on everyone especially her father who almost had a heart attack each time she caught him eating ice cream at night and got a beating from her father.

She was trying her best to control her laugh at their stunt faces but soon a booming laugh escapes her mouth.

"You guys should thank me because of me and Baba you are safe from mama bashing,"

She was bragging about her skills as her brother moved toward her and twisted her ears as she yelled in pain.

"Bhai leave... Dard ho raha hai Bhai, please...Mahi api please tell him to leave me. Please!!!"

Maham looked at him with pleading eyes but he shook his head and focus on his baby sister who nearly gave him a heart attack today.

"You love pranking... Haina... Hina Gina... Today I will teach you a lesson you brat,"

He slapped her head and left her who was glaring at him but soon turned toward Maham as she looked at her with accusing eyes, Maham mouthed sorry to her.

"Don't look at her like this now... Tell me why are you here this late and why did you scare us Hina?"

He raised his eyebrows at his baby sister who was not a baby anymore.

As she rewards him with her glare but spoke nevertheless.

"Mama was so angry at you guys for skipping dinner again and coming late so Baba and I planned to warn you and then stall mama to rest and Don't take the stress... Baba was on mama duty to distract her and I was here to help you with the food but as you are already having it so I will now go to bed before you go all berserk on me,"

She narrowed her eyes at them who looked at her sheepishly and turned to go to her room.

But before going she dropped a bomb on them, one that shook Maham to the core and made her gulp.

"By the way... Bhai mama said something about talking with you and api tomorrow so be prepared... It will serve you good for manhandling your saviour,"

She ran from them before her brother caught her again and teach her another lesson.

Maham looked so pale, Affan was scared that she will faint soon but once his large rough hands squeezed her small soft ones she relaxed.

It's like her body also knew who was comforting her. He smiled a big smile at her and dragged her toward their food and distract her mind from his mother's scolding.

"Come on Jhalli... I am hungry because of you I already skip dinner so don't make me wait for more Jhalli or I will faint soon,"

He deliberately teased her who scowl at him but a small smile adorn her face as she knew he was trying to make her mood happy.

He always does that when she was afraid of Naseem Qureshi.

"Yeah yeah... You bhukar... You can't even hold your hunger how you handle that publishing company is out of my imagination,"

She also teased him as they laughed and enjoyed their meal teasing and irritating each other, this is the beauty of their relation.

They can fight like dogs but in the end, they will die for each other.

Soon they clean up everything and retired for the night but before going to his room Affan like always dropped her to her room and kissed her forehead mumbling 'goodnight Jhalli' to her.

he was unaware of the fact that her heart was racing frantically because of his gesture.

Maham smiled weakly at him and goes inside her room as her heart was beating loudly.

She sighed in defeat as sleep ran away from her leaving her with a racing heart and jumbled mind.

"Another sleepless night for you Maham... This man will be the death of me,"

She groaned in the pillow cursing herself for falling for him who was oblivious to her feelings and her agony.

The next morning Maham woke up early making breakfast for everyone so her Tayi Ammi will be less angry at her.

But an unexpected thing happens when Naseem came into the dining room with Ahmed Sahab and smiled at Maham who was placing the dishes at the table.

Soon Affan and Hina joined them, they were enjoying the delicious food.

No one praise Maham cooking as Naseem never like it.

But it looks like this day was exceptional because the words that escape Naseem beghum mouth shocked everyone at the dining table.

"The breakfast is delicious Maham... I love the omelette,"

Maham was looking at her with wide eyes, Ahmed Sahab choked on his tea while Hina and Affan were looking at their mother like she was some alien.

Naseem patted Ahmed Sahab back and give him water, then she looked at everyone and raised her eyebrows at them.

"What???... Why are you looking at me like I am an alien?"

Everyone shook their head and again got busy with their breakfast.

Naseem beghum smiled sweetly at Maham as she spoke her next words that still the pure soul and turn her world upside down.

"Tonight, we are going to the Sheikh's house as Minal mother invited us for dinner... Also, we are going to discuss Affan and Minal proposal,"

Affan looked at his mother in lightning speed first with shocked expression then grinning widely.

Ahmed Sahab kept silent as his wife has already told him about the arrangement.

Hina was still surprised but with one glance at the heartbroken Maham and her smirking mother, she knew why this whole being sweet drama was done.

Maham squeezed hina's hand under the table as she smiles brokenly when her best friend looked at her with twinkling eyes.

He was so excited that it can be seen by his smile. Naseem beghum enjoyed Maham misery but she was not done.

She wanted to rub it on her face that she will never get her son.

She never liked her but the thought of Maham, the disgusted orphan because of who her son stood up to her as her one and only daughter-in-law repulsed her.

That's why she agreed on Minal Sheikh's proposal the moment her mother suggested it.

She like Minal because she also made Maham life living hell that gives satisfaction to Naseem beghum heart.

She many times notice her son arguing with his so-called best friend and she knew if there is something that can separate this duo it will be Affan fascination with Minal.

"Maham as today was your day off from hospital please beta sab kaam dekh lena Kuch kaami na ho... Its matter of Affan would-be in-laws,"

Naseem beghum deliberately put all responsibilities on the poor soul as her daughter was glaring at her but she ignores everyone as she goes to her room.

Ahmed Sahab went office after completing his breakfast and promising his wife to return home soon as they have to go before dinner time.

Affan was so happy that he turned toward his bestie and hugged her twirling her around as his sister looked sympathetically at the broken girl in her brother's arms.

"Mahi!!!! Did you hear what mama said? We are going to Minal's house with my proposal... She will be mine officially if they accepted it,"

He was still twirling her when she patted his shoulder dizzy but she was more broken.

She wanted to run from here and cry her heart out.

He placed her down still holding her arms as she smiled at him weakly trying to fight herself and control her tears.

"Why wouldn't they accept the proposal? My loser is the best human and I am sure you will be the best partner,"

She concealed her emotions and passed him a dazzling smile that gives him all assurance he needed, he grinned widely and pecked her forehead unaware of the havoc inside her.

She closed her eyes tightly and let herself feel him close.

He smiled at her one last time and grab his bag to go to the office to meet his would be wife, he ruffled Hina's hair as he passed by her.

Hina opened her mouth to speak but Maham ran from there before she can console her.

She cursed her brother about his oblivious behaviour as she goes to her room with a heavy heart.

Maham cried her heart the whole morning but by noon she has nursed her broken heart and started preparing everything her Tayi Ammi wanted.

She was being nice to Maham but now she knew what was the reason.

Naseem beghum wanted to hurt her where no one can see her wounds and she was successful in that.

She was making plans for snatching her one and only love from her and also taking her only family from her.

She knew whatever happens she will never tell Affan how she felt about him.

The time arrived that Maham was despising a lot, she didn't want to go with them and break her heart more.

But Affan wanted her to go for him as he emotionally blackmail her with his innocent eyes and baby pout that melt her heart but the pain was killing her with each passing moment.

"Come on Mahi... I won't go without you. I want my best friend to be with me at each step... I am going to start a new journey of my life and without the most essential part of my life how will I do it,"

He looked at her with so much innocence that she forgets all about her pain and miseries, just looking at him she nodded her head making him squeal in excitement.

"YEAH!!!! My Jhalli will go with me. Yeah, I am so happy... Now go and get ready,"

He ran away from there to get ready and wear the color Minal told him to deliberately, knowing so well that Maham hates that specific color on him.

Maham shook her head and with a defeated heart and went to get ready.

He took the light pink dress shirt Minal gifted him just to irritate Maham and how much she enjoyed their argument when Maham told him to throw the shirt and he like the lovesick puppy reacted, that was the first time he screamed at her.

He sighed at the thought of again arguing with her but he did not want to disappoint Minal also.

He shrugged his shoulders and goes to the bathroom thinking that his Jhalli will understand him.

Soon everyone was waiting in the living for the would-be groom to grace everyone with his presence as he descended the stairs with an excited grin on his face.

But one glance at his beaming face and his attire Maham lose all hope and sighed in defeat.

Hina was feeling helpless, she wanted to scream and tell her stupid brother to come to his senses and stop breaking her api heart.

But he was so much lost in his love, the illusion his mother and Minal created that he can't even sense his bestie, his Jhalli pain.

Naseem beghum hugged her son and give him blessings, while Ahmed Sahab patted his shoulder with a proud smile.

Maham looked at him with a sweet smile but the pain behind those ocean blue eyes can only be seen by two persons.

Hina felt pity for her api while Naseem beghum was enjoying her misery.

"come on everyone let's go... They will be waiting for us... Kyu dulhe miyan,"

Naseem beghum teased her son but her eyes were on Maham who gulped her tears and moved with Hina to control her emotions.

Affan blushed at his mother's words frowning at Maham's silence but let it go in his nervousness and planned to talk with her later.

Soon they got settled in the car and arrived at Minal house after half an hour.

The Sheikhs welcomed them magnificently and when they entered Minal was standing close to her mother grinning widely.

She looked breathtaking in her bright red dress, face caked with makeup, she was just a beauty from the outside.

But nowadays people only saw that no one saw the inside beauty that made us human.

Affan steal glances at her who was smirking victoriously at Naseem beghum.

Maham stood beside Hina as she tried to act sober but her traitor heart was betraying her.

She looked at Affan gazing at Minal with love, the same emotion she wanted for her.

Minal parents made them settle in the living room talking about business and social life while Hina and Maham sat there silent.

Affan was lost in Minal beauty as she was busy talking with his mother but now and then she will glance at him and winked at him that made him flushed.

Soon the dinner was served and Minal mother praised her telling them that she cooked everything while Hina rolled her eyes at the rubbish.

She leaned toward Maham whispering her irritation as Maham giggled at her words.

"Yeah... If she made the food then I am the president of Pakistan. It was obvious that she was telling a lie... Like mother like daughter,"

This is the first time Maham laughed since yesterday but the glares she received from the three ladies at the dining table as the men were busy in food and business talk.

She quickly lowered her eyes feeling embarrassed and never open her mouth again the whole time.

Everyone moved to the living room with their coffee and tea to talk and enjoy.

Maham took deep breaths as she knew the topic that impeding the whole time was going to speak soon.

Hina holds her hand tightly when her mother spoke and Maham felt life leaving her body.

"So, Mrs sheikh... What do you guys decide about the proposal? Because we are very eager to get these two married,"

Affan looked down as Minal was smiling widely, her mother was also smiling as she looked at her daughter nodding and telling them their decision.

"Our daughter liked Affan and we also know your family that's why we are happy for this alliance Naseem Ji,"

"Very well... We have brought the ring to do the ring ceremony. Shall we?"

Naseem asked Minal parents who nodded happily, Affan was smiling like a schoolgirl whose crush talked with her for the first time.

Hina was muttering profanities and cursing Minal for acting all innocent in front of her brother.

"Congratulations bacha... Now you are our daughter,"

Naseem beghum happily hugged Minal and soon sweets were distributed.

Naseem beghum came with the sweet platter and pushed Maham to made Affan eat it.

Maham with quivering hands and wobbly knees moved toward him who was happily looking at his Jhalli.

She placed the lado close to his mouth and he eats it as he takes his left over and made her eat it all.

"Mubarak ho loser... You got your love,"

He grinned at her and also made her eat the remaining lado.

"Khair Mubarak... You will also get your chance at love my cute Jhalli,"

"Allah Pak tumhain Zindagi ki har Khushi de Affan... Tumhain tumhara Ishq Kamal Miley,"

She whispered the words but he has already turned away as his father was hugging him.

Maham was looking at him when Minal came toward her and made her eat another piece of the sweet lado that left a bitter taste in her mouth, the taste of heartbreak.

Minal smiled sweetly at her as she enclosed her in embrace whispering venomously.

"Now he is not your best friend Maham... He is going to be mine... So stop acting desperate and stay away from my man or you will not like the consequences,"

The words were like a stab to her heart but she swallowed all pain for his happiness.

Minal pulled away as she gives another dazzling smile to the broken girl enjoying every moment of her suffering and spoke loudly grabbing everyone's attention and embarrassing Maham.

"Aww... Thank you, Maham for giving your best friend to me... I will take great care of him... He will never miss you ever again,"

Minal mumbled the last part so only Maham can hear it as everyone was laughing busy enjoying.

No one notices her shattered soul except Hina who was standing with her cursing everyone and praying to her lord to lessen her api pain.

The wedding date was finalized after two weeks their nikkah ceremony will be held at Minal house and by the end of the month, they planned the wedding rituals to be done.

Maham was smiling meekly at everyone but inside she was dying, her anxious soul and wounded heart were killing her, but bear everything just for his happiness.

"Good now it's settled that from two weeks now nikkah ceremony will be held here and then by the end of the month as Affan and Minal came back from their business trip then we will do the rukhsati,"

Ahmed Sahab and Affan didn't like the idea but Naseem beghum has already agreed and they kept silent to not create any scene there.

Soon they left from there and went home as Minal once again meet Maham with enthusiasm to show Affan that she cared for Maham.

Affan was happy as he witnesses the care his now-fiancée had for his best friend but he didn't know it was just a mere facade to lure him as it was all planned by his mother and Minal.

Maham still smiles and moved when Hina dragged her away from the fake people.

They reached home the whole ride everyone was talking about the wedding and its preparations.

Everyone retired for the night and Affan didn't even notice that his best friend was lost in self pity as he was too busy chatting with Minal.

That night Maham cried hugging her pillow, wallowing in self-pity and agony.

She cried for her unrequited love, she cried for her lost best friend, she cried for her incomplete love because she knew she will never love anyone as she loves him.

That she will never have her Ishq Kamal and that thought made her cry more and with that, she drifted to a dreamless abyss of darkness where she lost herself.

Hazerin Nazerin... Dekhti ankhoo aur parhne walo ko Mera Salaam...

What do you think about the chapter?

I know it's emotional but this is necessary... Ab story ko skip bhi Tu nhi kiya ja skta na...

Do vote and comment please it was much needed because I am not feeling well nowadays and I needed your love to get well soon....

Zindagi rhi tu phir milege... Es kissy ke naye khubsurat hissy ke Saath. Tab tak ke liye fi'amaan Allah.

Allah hafiz 😍

And

Stay safe