"Beete Lamhon Ko Fir Se Jeene Ke Liye

Juda Hona Zaroori Hai Samjha Kar

Raat Jitni Bhi Dilchasp Ho Saiyan

Subah Hona Zaroori Hai Samjha Kar

Khuda Hafiz Oh Mere Yaara

Mile Ya Na Mile Dobara

Rahunga Main Sada Tera

Khuda Haafiz Oh Mere Yaara

Safar Bedard Besahara

Muhafiz Ho Khuda Tera

Daastaan Teri Meri Kitni Azeeb Hai

Paas Tu Nahi Fir Bhi Sabse Kareeb Hai

Khuda Hafiz Oh Mere Yaara

Jo Pal Tere Bin Guzara Hai

Usme Bhi Nishaan Tera"

.............................

The wedding preparations started with all the hustle-bustle and Naseem beghum put all the responsibilities on Maham.

Her poor heart broke every time she saw Affan with Minal.

Minal was coming daily, either for shopping or meeting Naseem but each time Minal will act all sweet and nice with Maham in front of everyone and behind their back, she will never let any chance go as she taunted Maham.

Minal and Naseem were enjoying every bit of Maham pain as they will make her do all work for the wedding.

Hina was so angry in all this that she fought with her mother and deny to do any work of this sham that earn her a slap but she gladly take it for her api.

Maham was falling apart with each passing day, Affan was either busy on his phone talking with Minal or doing office work.

She had already lost her best friend but the thought of him with someone else and that someone else being Minal shred her soul apart.

She took each bitter word, each insult with a broken smile for him but he had already forgotten her.

Maham was packing the bag when Hina barged in her room with blazing eyes and raging anger.

When she saw Maham busy in packing clothes it scared her.

Maham looked upward with a blank expression trying to muster every ounce of courage to smile at Hina.

But she finds smiling difficult when her heart was paining and soul was scattering.

"Api... Why are you packing your clothes? Are you going anywhere?"

Hina quickly moved toward her holding her hands asking the question but the fear was clear in her eyes.

Maham swallowed her tears and smiled weakly at her cousin who was more than a sister for her.

She cupped Hina's face and made her sit on her bed finding words to tell her baby cousin the reason for her packing.

"Hina... Baby listen to me... I am going from here,"

"That's good api... Take me with you then... We will come after this drama ends,"

Hina spoke innocently but Maham shook her head trying hard to control her tears but damn she was getting weak.

"No baby... I am going for good... I got a job opportunity abroad,"

Maham has called her supervisor about the job opportunity abroad and luckily she still has a spot.

It's like her LORD wanted her to go away, so she talked with her Taya Abu.

Ahmed Sahab was angry at first, disappointed but in the end, he agreed as he wanted the best for his Mahi.

Naseem beghum eavesdropped on their conversation and she was smiling victoriously as her plan was successful.

She wanted to throw Maham out of her house , Affan life and she won.

She has to go on the night of Affan's nikkah ceremony.

She knew she has to go quickly but she will go after seeing him happy in his new life even if it tore her heart.

Hina was shocked at her api words as she started to shook her head and opened her mouth but no word came out of it.

"Hina... Hina... Stop ok... I have to go to bacha... I can't live here anymore. The person who has always been my life, my universe was going to start his life with someone else... I can live with the thought that he was happy living his life but I am not that strong to see him happy with someone else,"

"Then tell him... Tell him that you love him so much that you are bearing mama torture for years just for his sake. Tell him that you love him so much that you are willing to sacrifice your pure love just for him,"

Maham was at her breaking point and Hina's word broke her completely as a silent sob escape her mouth.

"I can't tell him Hina... I can't... I will lose him and I won't live with that. He was happy with his love that was enough for me to live and breath but him hating me will kill me,"

Hina didn't understand why she can't tell him and stop this drama now.

Why she was destroying her brother's life and more important her own life.

"Fine you can't tell him na... Then I will... He was being selfish but not anymore,"

Hina moved toward the door but Maham holds her hands pleading her to not go.

"Please Hina... Please don't do this, please... I beg you... If you ever think of me as your sister then don't please,"

Hina sighed in defeat and sat beside Maham as she broke down in her arms crying her heart out.

"Api this is not love... This is suicide... You are killing yourself. Please don't do this please,"

Maham wiped her tears and looked at her with misty eyes.

Hina's heart trembled for her api as she hugged her tightly.

"Hina... He is happy. I can't be selfish and snatch that away from him. He loves her... Maybe she will change after marriage and will love him as he deserves. I just wanted his happiness, I will live with that only,"

Hina shook her head in disbelief, how can her api be so stupid and selfless at the same time.

"Fine, I won't tell him... But you are both wrong... Him for being oblivious and not understanding that which love he was searching in that fake Barbie his heart has found years ago...and you for sacrificing your love and not fighting for it,"

Maham looked down in embarrassment as she knew Hina was right but she never saw anything else her loser happiness.

"You are ready to leave us... Your home... Your love for his happiness but did you think he will be happy without you api. He may have been trapped in the love web that mama and Minal has created but deep down he will always crave for you and you also knew this,"

"No, he will... He will find his happiness his love and he will forget me when he started his own family,"

Hina shook her head as she knew Maham has made up her mind and she was ready to sacrifice anything for her stupid brother so she softened her tone and again sat beside her.

"Going away was not right api... But if you have decided it then do whatever your heart says... If Bhai is moving on in his life then you also deserve it but remember api... Being this selfless will not only destroy one person but both... Yahi na ho Ishq Kamal ki Chah main Ishq Tamam karde sbko,"

Maham looked at her with lightning speed as a gasped escape her mouth.

Her baby cousin has grown so much that the words had such an impact on Maham's heart.

"I will always support you api... I know you have bear so much and you deserve this chance at life but always remember one thing... You are my sister and a part of this family and whatever people say doesn't matter because we are connected by hearts,"

Maham nodded her head and they hugged each other tightly.

"ok now let pack everything up before Bhai came here finding you,"

They started packing as Maham told her when she has to go.

Hina was so emotional that they planned to have a sleepover.

They watched Disney movies the whole night and enjoy their moments.

Hina sleeps hugging Maham tightly as Maham caressed her hair looking at the ceiling thinking about everything and anything.

After two days the day arrived, the day when her best friend will be someone else.

The day she dreaded most, Naseem beghum was being so sweet with her but Maham knew she was just being like this as she already knows about Maham departure.

Maham was getting ready for the nikkah ceremony when Naseem beghum came and handed her Affan sherwani and told her to make sure that he was ready on time.

Maham looked at the only mother figure in her life with the hope that she will spare her from this pain.

But the stern look she received was enough to make her nod as she went toward his room with a heavy heart and trembling body.

She knocked at the door and as he heard his voice that calm her soul she entered inside after taking a deep breath.

The moment she saw him In front of the mirror getting ready to be someone else her heart broke, he was looking so handsome in his white desi attire.

But she smiled for his sake and moved toward as he turned around giving a heart-stopping smile to his best friend unaware of the effect it has on her poor soul.

"Jhalli!!! where have you been yar? I was wondering that you are getting married not the other way around,"

He rolled his eyes at her who just smile weakly at him and forward the sherwani toward him.

But he is stubborn like her and stood waiting for his answer. She sighed in defeat and spoke.

"No where loser... I was just making sure that your wedding was the best... That's why... Aur waise bhi you are also busy with your to be wife so stop blaming me,"

Maham looked at him with raised eyebrows and he looked down in embarrassment.

He rubbed his neck a habit he done when he was either nervous or frustrated.

"yeah... About that... I am sorry yar..."

Maham didn't let him complete his sentence as she goes toward him with the sherwani and made him wear it.

"Don't explain... You are happy that makes me happy... Just enjoy these moments,"

She corrected his collar looking at him with such adoration that he couldn't stop his smile.

But soon he frowned when he saw a lone tear escapes her eye, he quickly wipes it not liking the hollowness of her eyes.

"What happens Mahi? Why are you crying? Did mama do anything? Tell me na...,"

Maham just shook her head at her best friend as she patted his shoulder holding his hand, she whispered reassurance words to him.

"Nothing Affan... I am just emotional... My best friend is going to start a new life...I am happy for you loser. you are looking so handsome today,"

Affan smiled at her but still worried about his Jhalli.

She was the strongest girl he has ever seen in his life and her crying made him feel uneasy.

"I know you are happy but don't cry ok... It pains me... You know I love you so much to see you crying,"

He said the words unaware that he was indeed giving her pain, the pain of unrequited love.

But she still smile as she didn't want to spoil his biggest day.

"you are saying this now but after Minal came you will forget me... You will only love her loser,"

The pain in her voice was masked by her smile but he was getting more worried with each passing minute.

"Why did you say that Maham?"

Oh, he called her Maham that only happens when he was angry about something

She opened her mouth to speak but he was already holding her tightly as he turned her toward him.

"Why did you say something so stupid? Huh... Did mama told you this... Because if yes... then I am going to have some words with my mother,"

He was raging how can his best friend think that he will forget her once he will start his married life, she was so important to him that he may die without her.

His Jhalli was an essential part of his soul and life.

"No Affan... No one said that I swear... It's just you will have someone new in your life and you will love her with all your might because she will have all rights on that love... It will be just for her,"

He shook his head and hold her more close that sends a shiver down her spine but his blazing eyes made her gulped.

"No one can take your place in my life Maham... No one... Not even Minal. The place and rights you hold in my life will only be reserved for you till death do us apart... Do you understand me?"

She looked at him with a pained expression because she knew she has to go tonight and this might break him but he will have his wife to help him.

She just nodded at him as he pulled her in his arms as Maham enjoyed his closeness for the last time.

She collected all these moments that will help her live a life without him, it will be difficult nearly impossible but she will do this for him and her heart.

He kissed her forehead caressing her head as an unknown fear caught him that he was neglecting his best friend in all this new relationship.

He promised that after they came back from the nikkah, they will have a good talk and he will make everything right.

Maham and Affan were lost in their blissful embrace when Hina barged in to call Affan as they get startled.

"Bhai... Oh... Wo... Mama is calling you in her room Bhai,"

But Affan still didn't leave her as he again kissed her forehead and went outside as his mother summons him but not before teasing Maham.

"Oh, Jhalli... Go and clean the smudges I don't want my best friend to look like churail,"

He went away laughing but neither Hina and Maham smile as Hina drag Maham to her room and clean her face without speaking.

Maham knew, Hina was angry because of everything but she needs one more work to do before going.

She got up and opened her closet where she was hiding the biggest secret of her life, her diary.

She moved toward Hina and placed the diary in her hands as Hina knew what was inside.

As she was the only soul in the earth that read it and knew her secret.

Maham looked at Hina with misty eyes and a heavy heart as she gripped the diary tightly controlling her emotions.

"I am going from here to make him happy Hina... He was so happy with Minal and I can't take this with me as a reminder that my love was unrequited...,"

Maham's voice shook but Hina embrace her.

She knew her api was strong but the emotional pain drain human more than the physical one.

Her api was broken and she didn't want the reason for her incomplete love with her so Hina takes the diary from her.

"Throw it, burn it... Do whatever you want to do with this... I just can't... I tried but this was the only thing that shared my pain with me for years but I know you can help me,"

"Just destroy it ... This stupid diary is the reason why I can't stop loving him... Why I am going away just so he can be happy because I know Minal was insecure and if she was not happy it will ruin his marriage. I have to go, baby... But I can't take this reminder with me... I won't stop loving him but this will increase my pain more... So please Hina help your api... Please,"

Hina nodded he town tears flowing down her cheeks as she consoles her api.

They stay like that for a few minutes then someone came to call them.

"I will do whatever you want api... But please promise me you will be in contact with me and you will come to meet me,"

Hina knew that her promise was going to be broken but still she asked for this to soothe her heart.

Maham just smiled weakly at her and they both clean up getting ready to go down.

Everyone already left as Ahmed Sahab told them to go that he will come with his daughters.

Affan wanted to go with his Jhalli but Naseem beghum dragged him out mumbling how irresponsible Maham is.

He rolled his eyes at his mother and take her before she scolded his best friend.

He messaged her to meet him at Minal house as she reached but she didn't reply as she and Hina brought her luggage downstairs.

Ahmed Sahab stood there with a heavy heart waiting for his daughter, his Mahi who hugged him with tears and they kept standing.

But Hina called them saying that her mother will cause drama if they reached late.

"Maham... you are going tonight but you will always have your taya Abu with you... I am just one call away bacha... Don't forget that ever... And please forgive me for what Naseem has ever done,"

Maham quickly shook her head and stop him, she hugged him as he kissed her forehead as she feels his fatherly care and warmth for the last time.

"Hina and I will drop you at the airport after nikkah, so come on let's go before your Tayi Ammi called search party for us,"

They laughed at his words, her luggage was placed in the car but she still has one thing to do.

"Taya Abu... I will just come I forget my passport bag in my room,"

He nodded at her and she ran inside ignoring Hina frown who herself picked her passport bag and was holding it.

Maham ran toward her room and picked the thing she needed.

She goes to his room and places it near his bedside table. She looked around his room and inhaled his scent for the last time.

She went outside wiping tears and went to the car looking at the house where she has grown up and where she started loving him.

The car started ready to take her to her love who was getting married to someone else as Hina hold her hand but she was only feeling hollow inside.

....

They have reached the Sheikh house and Affan was trying to go and talk with Maham who was looking pale and sick but his mother was not letting him.

He was worried for her but his mother didn't think it's important.

Soon the Qazi Sahab came and the nikkah ceremony started as Minal came looking so regal in her heavy bridal dress.

Then why his eyes were looking for his Jhalli who was looking beautiful in simple white light embodied dress.

Qazi Sahab asked Minal for consent for nikkah as she said 'Qubool hai' thrice and accepted him as her husband.

But when he was asked the question his eyes were moving around for his support system.

When he saw her standing far behind everyone smiling and nodding at him.

He smiled wholeheartedly and give his answer to Qazi Sahab.

Soon congratulations and sweets were distributed and the newly wedded were seated together.

The poor soul whose heart broke in billion pieces the moment the last 'Qubool hai' came out of his mouth.

Hina holds Maham tightly as she stumbled back giving her api all support she needed.

Hina told Maham that it was almost time to go so she nodded her head and compose herself as she moved toward him to say her goodbye.

"Api... It's time... Baba is waiting for us,"

"Ok... I just come... you go,"

She moved toward him who grinned widely at her and embrace her as his wife was busy with her friends.

"Congratulations loser... Now you are married... So start acting like a grown-up,"

She teased him Collecting each ounce of strength to talk with him.

"I am grown up Jhalli... Now give me my wedding gift,"

She smiled at his eagerness and forwarded the box toward him.

He opened it and soon smiled big as he saw his favorite watch. She smiled at him and made him wear it.

"It's so amazing Mahi... I loved it... Thank you so much yar,"

He kissed her forehead a habit he was habitual and can't control himself with.