Zubiya didn't have much time to contemplate what she just saw as Gaiti bhabi pulled her back again to dance with them unaware of the turmoil that Zubiya was currently feeling inside her. She turned her head back to where Asfand stood last but he was nowhere to be seen. Her attempt to search for him in other areas was a failed one.

Where did he go?

And... what was ?!

She couldn't just ignore what she saw, could she?

All she knew was now, they had to talk.

A couple of days passed since Asfand had returned home. He had been so busy with his House Job at his college that he hardly had any time for himself.

Another fact, Asfand was purposefully ignoring Zubiya knowing well that she would be demanding for answers which he wasn't sure he was ready to admit.

First, he decided he required some advice from someone who had experience about such matters for a very long-long time. Who better than his own parents.... but since he felt a bit weird to talk about this through with his father, it left him with no other option than his mother.

He hoped she would approve of his choice. His choice... Did he unknowingly already select her for himself?

As he laid on his bed and really thought about it... with closed eyes and everything... imagining himself after 10 years... the only picture that came into his head included her. Beside him.

He smiled widely as he finally came into terms with the fact that he liked Zubiya. More than he had contemplated. He had thought her as his confidante, a friend.... But she was more than that for him..

And finally he drifted off to a peaceful sleep after two hectic days with a wide smile on his face...

Asfand slowly knocked on the study room door and waited to be called in by his parents.

He had woken up early and taken a shower, giving himself pep talks to not back out before talking to his parents. It was mandatory for him that he had their blessing and their approval.

It was Zubiya he was talking about. He didn't think he needed to worry over it much as they loved her almost more than him... He chuckled slightly as he shook his head.

But he was still nervous. This was one of the most important grown-up talks he was going to have with his parents.

"Come in!" He heard his mother's voice call him in.

He slightly peeked inside to find them sitting on the sofa enjoying their morning tea.

"Asfand? Why are you up so early? I thought you were going to sleep in today... You were in duty for more than 48 hours! Why do they always call you in duty when they have emergencies, Asfand? Can't they call others? It's not fair- " Asfand's mother said to Asfand- who walked over to his parents with a frown on her face.

"Mama! It is my duty.. Now that I'm a doctor I have to get adapted to this life. In fact I'm happy that they call me during emergencies... I can help them.. moreover it also means that my work is being appreciated." Asfand said to his mother with a soft smile on his face. He glanced at his father who was smiling softly at his wife.

Asfand cleared his throat and said to his parents, "Um, Baba... Mama.. I would like to talk to you regarding something..."

"We also need to speak to you regarding something... but you tell us first." Lubna told her son as she waited for him to speak.

"It's alright. You can begin first." Asfand said.

"Okay, then. Now that you're almost done with your House Job... and then you will going out of the country for you degree... We think you should settle down first." Usman said to his son.

Asfand's heart skipped a beat. They exactly knew what he wanted.

"Haan, baba. That is what I wanted to talk to you guys about...." Asfand said softly.

Usman and Lubna shared a surprised look among each other and Lubna quickly glanced back at her son.

"What?!" She gasped out.

"Um, I think I would like what you guys will want for me." Asfand said, giving them a shy smile.

Usman laughed out while Lubna quickly gave him a side-hug.

"So, do you have a girl in mind? Do you like someone?" Usman asked his son, while looking at him curiously. Lubna looked at her confusedly.

Why would he ask Asfand when they have already selected a girl for him?

"Um.. yes. And I think you'll approve of her.. In fact you guys love her even more than me!" Asfand said softly as he gave them a teasing smile.

"Who- " Lubna asked her son, confusedly.

"Zubiya, mama. I am talking about Zubiya." Asfand said, with an impish smile on his face.

Usman and Lubna looked at each other, so stunned that they didn't say anything for a few minutes.

Asfand catching on to the tension between them.. looked at them nervously.

"Is there something wrong? I thought.. you liked Zubiya... you would be happy.." Asfand stammered as he looked at them with a confused look on his face.

"Um.. it's not that. Zubiya... she is perfect! We love her so much! That child is a gem all in herself and to have as a part of our family permanently will be...." Lubna said as she looked back at her husband with a helpless look on her face.

Usman sighed a deep breath and gave a slight nod at his wife.

"Son.. we broached this topic because Faryal's parents have suggested that they wanted Faryal to be a part of our family... I told them that we would discuss with you first and that it depends completely on what you want... Faryal is a nice girl. I won't force you, Asfand. I will never do that with you. I haven't forced Daniyal and I won't force you. And where Zubiya is concerned... I am proud of you son. She will be perfect for you. Having her as my daughter-in-law will be a blessing for me. I hadn't even given a thought about it... Thank you son, you have reduced a burden from my heart. It's not that she is a burden for me... I just wanted someone perfect for her.. who will keep her safe, who will take care for her as she deserves.. And I have full trust on you. Thank you, son. Thank you very much!" Usman said, tearfully. Lubna held his shoulder as Asfand quickly sat up from his seat and bent on his knee in front of his parents.

"Baba.. please don't thank me. In fact, I should be more grateful that you are not forcing me to marry Faryal and instead gave me a choice. Thank you, baba. Thank you, mama." Asfand said as he thanked them gratefully. Usman and Lubna set their hands on Asfand's head as if to give their blessings.

"We will always want what's best for you and for your happiness." Lubna said to her son as she kissed her son's forehead.

Asfand hugged his parents tightly.

After Asfand left, Lubna looked at her husband who seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

"You did the right thing, Usman. I am glad Asfi chose Zubiya. She is a wonderful girl and will keep him happy. We just need to talk with her father now."

"Yes. But I'll not ask Khalil for Zubiya's hand. Just ask him to give her her blessings and to be present during the ceremony. Nothing more. She is now our daughter. Our responsibility. I am only considering going to Khalil because he is her father. Or else I wouldn't want that man or his son to ever come close to Zubiya again." Usman said vehemently to which Lubna nodded her head.

"But we forgot one thing. Who is going to ask Zubiya?!" Lubna exclaimed worriedly.

Usman laughed loudly and said to his wife, "That will be Asfand's responsibility. To get the girl he likes!"