Author's POV: Before we jump into our story, let's get to know a bit about our two main characters. Aqsa is in her first year at IPU's main campus, studying business administration. Ibrahim, meanwhile, is in his third year, studying commerce(i.e Bcom) at the well-known Amity University in Noida.
Aqsa lives with her family in New Delhi, India. Ibrahim actually owns his own apartment close to his college. But his sister, Shibra, really pushed him to live with their parents for now, so that's where he is in Noida, India.
Let's continue with the story,
Aqsa's house was in chaos; everyone was working incredibly hard because it was their son and daughter-in-law's first anniversary. They weren't celebrating in a grand way because Shahmir was occupied with some work, and Shibra wanted to have a small family gathering.
So, preparations were underway for the small family gathering, which was being held at Ahmed's mansion. Shibra and Mrs. Ahmed were busy preparing food and desserts, while Shahmir was busy completing his work as soon as possible. Mr. Ahmed was busy with the house decorator, ensuring the house decorations were perfectly done. Our female lead was following her "baba" and mimicking him behind his back.
When Mr. Ahmed was giving instructions to the decorator in the hall of the house, he noticed that their focus wasn't on his instructions but rather on something behind him. He tilted his head and saw his princess imitating him.
He first dismissed the decorators and looked at Aqsa.
He said in a firm voice, "Princess? Aap ye kya kar rahi ho?"
Aqsa, being in her own world, didn't notice he had already seen her imitating him. She said with an awkward smile, "Kuch nahi baba" and tried to escape by walking away but was caught by Mrs. Ahmed (aka Devil Ma). Mrs. Ahmed and Shibra walked into the hall from the kitchen and saw her mimicking Mr. Ahmed.
Mrs. Ahmed said in a mocking way, "Aapki princess itni der se aapke piche ho kar, aapki tarah nakal kar rahi thi."
Aqsa got caught; she bit her tongue and clenched her eyes. Mr. Ahmed sat on the couch, looked at Aqsa, and continued, "Acha aise baat hain? Princess mujhe karke dikhana."
She spoke in nervousness with an awkward smile, "Arey baba aap kaise baat kar rahe ho? Main aur aapki acting karugi aise kaise ho sakta h?"
Mrs. Ahmed walked over towards her and twisted her ears. "Aaaa," she exclaimed in pain and continued, "Kya kar rahe ho Devil Ma?"
Mrs. Ahmed said, twisting her ears more, "Beta ji aap jhoot bolna kab se Sikh gaye?"
When Aqsa was about to say anything, her sister-in-law, Shibra, intervened between them and said, "Mummy Jane do, bachi hain." She then released Aqsa's ears from Mrs. Ahmed.
Aqsa wrapped her arms around Shibra's waist and said, hugging her, "Mujhse koi pyaar nahi karta, meri sirf bhabhi hi hain."
"Acha jii bhabhi ki bachii, aur shibra beta galat kar rahi ho tum isko humesha bacha leti ho," Mrs. Ahmed said. Shibra defended Aqsa, "Koi nahi mummy, bachi hi toh hain."
Mrs. Ahmed was about to speak, but before her, Mr. Ahmed said, "Han ji begum jii... Jane do na... Iski wajah se hi toh humare Ghar mein ronak rehti hai agar humari princess humari nakal nahi karegi toh kon karega?"
Mrs. Ahmed said dramatically, "Han han sab ho jao iske side aur mujhe villain bana do."
Aqsa said with a grin, "Arey Devil Ma, aap toh pehle se devil ho, ab aapko villain ka bhi role chahiye? Not fair! Wrong, wrong, Devil Ma!"
Everyone chuckled at her comment, while her Devil Ma gave her a side look, which made her stop laughing. Mrs. Ahmed walked over towards Aqsa and said while lightly slapping her on her head, "Aap itni shararti kaise hain Aqsa? Aaj dekho mehmaan aa rahe hain. So behave!"
Aqsa said in annoyance, "Uff oh Devil Ma, take a chill pill! And I'll be a good girl!" Then she went towards Mr. Ahmed on the couch, sat beside him, and said, "Baba dekho na, mumma mujhe mischievous bol rahi hain."
Mr. Ahmed said in a pure innocent manner, "Beta ji, aap jo wo hi toh bol rahi hain usme galat kya hain."
Aqsa gave a side look to Mr. Ahmed and said in a firm voice, "Baba!"
Mr. Ahmed looked at Mrs. Ahmed, changed his tone, and said to Mrs. Ahmed, "Begum ji, how could you? Aap meri princess aise baat nahi kar sakti." He then gave Aqsa a side hug.
Mrs. Ahmed rolled her eyes and said, "Oh please, stop your daughter and father PDA." Then she shifted her gaze to Shibra and said, "Beta you go, and please call Shahmir from the study room. Mujhe pata abhi bhi kaam kar raha hoga wo. Usse bolo kaam karke jaldi se ready ho jao aur aap bhi jao ready hone ok."
Shibra said, "Jii" and went from there.
Mrs. Ahmed looked again at the father and daughter duo, who were planning something. Mrs. Ahmed said, "Aqsa, do not try any stunt right now. I'm warning you! Kuch mischievous nahi hona chahiye let today's dinner be peaceful." Then she said to Mr. Ahmed, "Aur aap bhi iske koi mischievous plan mein sath nahi dege."
Mrs. Ahmed said with a pause, "Aur Aqsa, Chalo tyaar hone jao aur aap bhi chalo room mein tyaar nahi hona?"
Mr. Ahmed said, "Han ji begum hona hain, kyu nahi hona tyaar! Wo toh hum kuch su...."
When he was about to complete his sentence, Aqsa yelled, "Babaaaaaaa!"
Mr. Ahmed forgot that it was their secret and lightly slapped his head, saying, "Acha acha sorry, chalein begum aap."
He stood up while Mrs. Ahmed looked at him squinting. Something was fishy. She said, "Aqsa, I'm warning you. If you do anything, I'll ground you for two weeks."
Aqsa was happy to hear that she wouldn't go to college for two weeks and could chill. Then Mrs. Ahmed continued, "without phone."
Aqsa whined like a child; she said, "No, Devil Ma," with a pout.
Mrs. Ahmed said, "So you will not plan anything mischievous?"
She finally agreed and said with a dull face, "Acha ok."
Mrs. Ahmed said, "Good."
Mr. Ahmed interfered and said, "Begum bas kare kitna bachi ko bolegi aap, chale bhi tyaar hona hain." With that, both of them went towards their room.
Aqsa's room is on the ground floor, directly across from the hall. The guest room is also located on the ground floor, next to Aqsa's room.
Mr. and Mrs. Ahmed's room is on the kitchen side, facing the dining room. A study room is situated right beside their bedroom.Shibra and Shahmir's room is on the first floor.
Aqsa's bedroom is a modern and luxurious space, designed with a soft, feminine touch. The centerpiece is a large bed with a soft pink headboard and bedding. On either side of the bed are minimalist white nightstands. Behind the bed, a dark accent wall features a striking piece of artwork depicting pink tropical leaves.
At the foot of the bed, there are two plush, round pink ottomans. Near a large window, a hanging swing chair adds a playful element. To the right, a sleek white console table holds a decorative vase.
The room also includes a dedicated vanity area with a round mirror and a floral wall accent. A spacious walk-in closet is visible in the background, and to the left, a built-in closet with organized shelving and drawers provides ample storage.
Overall, the room offers aesthetic vibes, appearing clean, sophisticated, and inviting, thanks to its blend of dark and light tones and natural elements.
She went to her room, locked it from the inside, and lay down on her bed with her hands open. She was thinking something very deeply, and there was sadmeriness in her eyes. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and then opened them. When she opened her eyes, there were tears that fell. She sat up, stood, and went towards the swing chairs. She sat on a swing chair, put her head back, and mumbled, "Do saal ho gaye hain uss hadse ko aur uss insan ko meri zindagi se gaye hue lekin fir bhi main kuch bhi bhoola nahi pa rahi... I have been trying to be normal, to be the way I used to be—happy, mischievous, and smiling all day. But I think that sunshine girl is lost. Maybe I can pretend for the outside world, but how can I deny myself?"
She paused for a while, looking out the window.
Then she continued, "Kash koi meri smile ke piche dukh ko dekh pata. Koi mere un kahe words ko samjh sakta. Meri feelings ko samjh sakta, meri help karta uss bure raat ko bhoolane mein. Kash koi aisa hota jo mujhse beshumar pyaar karta, mujhe waise pyaar karta jaise main hu. Jo feel kar rahi hu wo jata sakti. Allah main apki neimat ka na- shukar nahi kar rahi, Meri family bhut achi h alhamdulillah. Par main unhe kab tak apne piche pareshan rakhugi. Wo bhi uss purani aqsa ko dekhna chahte h. Kaise lau wo purani aqsa waps. Jo innocent thi aur khush thi. I'm tired now. Tired of being normal when I'm not. Main abhi wahi hu, uss hi jagah par khadi hu, wo andheri raat, anjan aur sunsan sadak... I was Shouting and begging him not to go, not to leave me there—but he walked off very easily, leaving me behind. He is still with me; his memories haunt me every single night like the worst nightmare. I'm still stuck there. Ya Allah please help na."
Ibrahim's side
Ibrahim, a young man with a well-built physique, lay on his king-sized bed, a blanket covering him. His sleep was broken by the insistent ring of his phone. Lazily, he opened his eyes and extended a hand towards the side table. As he focused on the caller ID, his eyes turned cold – it was his father, Mr. Khan. With great difficulty, Ibrahim sat up and answered the call.
A cold voice emanated from the other end. "Be ready at 7 PM," Mr. Khan stated. "We need to leave for Mr. Ahamed's mansion." Without waiting for Ibrahim's response, he hung up.
Ibrahim closed his eyes when he heard the "beep" of the disconnected call. He put his phone aside and searched for something. Finally locating the first aid kit, he took out a paracetamol tablet and swallowed it with water, not having eaten anything.
"Again this headache and fever," he mumbled. He continued,"I'm done with myself, literally! Why can't I live without falling ill? Khair, leave it. I have to dress up to go to Baji's house. I have to again wear a mask and show everyone that I'm fine, but in reality, When I'm not. Kash koi aisa hota jiske samne main waise reh sakta jaisa hu. Koi dikhawa koi jhoot koi mask nahi pehnna padta! Kashhh." He sighed deeply, then, using the bed stand for support, he went to the washroom. He freshened up and took a shower.
A while later, he was fully dressed. He wore a white shirt with beige pants and beige shoes, completing his look with an Omega Seamaster watch.
He went downstairs and saw his parents already there. He noticed the car keys on the table, alongside many baskets of gifts, likely for Shibra's in-laws. He walked towards the table and picked up the keys.
Mrs. Khan taunted him, "Ho gaye ladle tyaar? Mujhe toh laga tha ki Puri shaam dhalne ke baad aayege"
He didn't utter a word, listening to her taunts silently. Mr. Khan stood beside Mrs. Khan.
Mr. Khan finally spoke, saying, "Put these gifts inside the car fast."
Ibrahim nodded in agreement without argument. He began placing the baskets in the car's trunk. When he was done, he sat in the driver's seat. Mr. Khan was already in the passenger seat, and Mrs. Khan was seated in the back. He buckled up and drove off.
At Aqsa's House
The scene shifted to Aqsa's house. She was dressed in a white suit, looking elegant and beautiful. Her hair was left open, and she had applied minimal makeup. She left her room and went towards the hall, where everyone was already present. Shibra and Shahmir's outfits matched. Shahmir wore a maroon kurta with white bottoms, while Shibra was in a beautiful maroon suit, looking just like a newlywed.
Everyone was waiting for Shibra's family. Finally, after a while, they arrived. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Khan, came into the hall. Shibra went to them, greeted them, and hugged her mother (Mrs. Khan) first, then her father (Mr. Khan).
Shibra warmly asked, "Kaise hain aap dono?" Mr. Khan sweetly replied, "Bas meri bachi ki dua hain aur Allah ka shukar," while gently brushing her hair with his hands.
Shahmir came forward and hugged Mr. Khan, welcoming them warmly. He asked Mr. Khan, "Kaise hain papa aap?" Mr. Khan patted his cheeks and said, "Bas apni beti ko itna khush dekh kar aur zyada acha ho gaya hu, shukriya beta meri beti ko itna khush rakhne ke liye." Shahmir responded, "Papa aap mujhe sharminda kar rahe hain." Shahmir then went to Mrs. Khan, held her hand, and asked, "Kaise hain mummy aap?" Mrs. Khan replied with a warm smile, "Badiya beta," and patted his head.
Shibra looked at the door, waiting for Ibrahim to come in, but he didn't! She asked her parents, "Mumma, where is Ibrahim? Wo aaya nahi kya?" Mr. Khan's voice turned colder as he said, "He's coming with gifts."
She replied with "Oh." Shibra found their behavior a little odd—the way Mr. Khan's tone changed from warm and sweet to colder. Mrs. Ahmed said to Aqsa, "Beta jao help him." Aqsa looked at her mother and nodded, then went to the car. In the hall, Mr. and Mrs. Ahmed welcomed Shibra's parents (Mr. and Mrs. Khan) warmly with a hug. Mrs. Ahmed said, "Aayein na, aap waha kyu khade hain." Everyone settled down.
Meanwhile, at the parking, Aqsa saw Ibrahim trying to figure out how to get all the baskets in one go. She thought, "I'm seeing him after a whole year. It's like he disappeared from the world. I only saw him a few times at the wedding. Now I'm seeing him after all this time. Ahhh, why am I feeling so nervous around him? Ufff, Allah, please help me... make it easy for me."
She took deep breath, went to him and said, "Assalamualaikum, hii." He looked at her with cold eyes. She was mesmerized by his deep brown eyes and cold stares. She thought, "His cold stares always leave me speechless, yet at the same time, I want to look more into his deep brown eyes. It feels like he holds pain in those eyes, and I want to know the story behind his coldness." He didn't reply. She continued, "Should I help?"
He said coldly, "No thank you. A princess like you, should be inside. Kya soch kar aap bahar aaye ho? Itni fragile ho ki ek basket uthate hi gir Jaogi." She got offended and said, "Excuse me." He said casually while closing the car, "You're excused," and walked away towards the entrance of the house. She shook her head in frustration, followed him, and mumbled, "Devil Ma ko bhi yahi bhejna tha mujhe inki help karne ke liye. Allah jane khud ko kya samajhte hain." He tilted his head and said in his deep voice, "Insan. Main khud ko insan samjhta hu aur kuch?" She instantly regretted it, bit her lips, and clenched her eyes; he had actually heard her mumbling. He then went into the house, carrying all the gift baskets.
While Aqsa ran, trying to keep up with his long strides, Ibrahim entered the hall. Everyone's eyes turned to him, especially Shibra, who had been eagerly waiting for her baby brother. Shibra walked forward, and Ibrahim asked her, "Ye sab kaha rakhu?" Mrs. Ahmed interjected, "Arey bhaisaab itni sab karni kya zarurat thi? Itne sare gifts!" Shibra added, "Haan papa. Aap befaltu mein itna pareshan hue."
Mr. Khan stood up, walked over to Shibra, patted her head, and said, "Apni beti ke liye itna Nahi kar sakta main. Wo bhi uski pehle anniversary par. Ye gifts nahi, meri aur apki mumma ki trf se apke liye humara beshumar pyaar hain." Meanwhile, Ibrahim looked at his father with cold eyes, thinking, "And what about me, Papa?" He then lowered his eyes. Just then, Aqsa came rushing in and bumped into Ibrahim from behind. Ibrahim quickly wrapped his arms around Aqsa's waist to prevent her from falling, but all the gifts he was carrying spilled onto the floor.
Ibrahim and Aqsa were lost in their own world, looking deeply and thoroughly into each other's eyes. It was as if they were both looking straight into each other's souls through their eyes. Mr. Khan rubbed his temples and said furiously, "Ibrahim, ek kaam bhi thik se nahi kar sakte tum?" Ibrahim and Aqsa flinched, snapping out of their world. He helped Aqsa stand properly, then knelt down to collect the baskets from the floor. Aqsa also knelt down and helped him. She said in a low voice, "I'm sorry." He simply nodded.
Ibrahim again took all the baskets in his hand and stood up. He then looked at Shibra and said, "Baji kaha rakhu in sab ko?" Shibra was a little scared to see her father so furious over such a small matter. She quietly walked towards the guest room, and Ibrahim followed her. She asked him to place the baskets on the floor, which he gently did. When he was done, he stood up and looked at his sister. Shibra came forward and hugged him, saying, "I missed you, my baby brother! Kaise ho tum? Aur tumhare aur papa ke bich kuch hua hain kya wo aise furious kyu the?"
Ibrahim gently held her and said, "Kuch nahi baji aise hi papa ka mood chal raha h aap tension mat lo." He changed the topic and asked, "Aap khush ho na?" Shibra broke the hug and looked at her baby brother, "Han ji main bhut khush hu!" "Toh fir ye tears kyu?" Ibrahim said, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Aise hi tumhe dekh kar," she replied. He said, "C'mon baji, ab main itna bura bhi nahi lag raha," which made her chuckle. She lightly slapped his face, but when she touched him, his face was burning with heat. She then noticed his whole body felt hot.
She panicked and said, "Ibru, tumhari body itni garam kyu ho rahi h?" She touched his forehead and asked, "Tumhe fever ho raha hain?" He gently took her hand from his forehead and said, "Arey kuch nahi hua mujhe bas thoda sa headache ho Raha tha aur itni dur se car chala kar laya hu toh fever ho gaya hoga. Thik ho jauga thodi der mein. Chalo bahr, sab intezaar kar rahe hoge" Shibra then ordered him, "Tum kahi nahi ja rahe, yaha raho chup chap aur main kuch khane ke liye lati hu wo kha kar so jao. Thodi der aaram kar lo." Ibrahim tried to deny his sister, "Arey bajii," but Shibra gave him a look that automatically silenced him.
So he shut up, and Shibra left to get something for Ibrahim.
Shibra came into the hall and headed towards the kitchen. Mrs. Ahmed found this strange because Shibra should have been sitting and talking with her parents. Instead, she walked towards the kitchen. Mrs. Ahmed followed Shibra to the kitchen and asked, "Beta kya hua? Aapko toh apne parents ke sath baithna chahiye na! Itni dur se aaye h wo log."
Shibra looked at her mother-in-law and said, "Wo actually mummy, Ibru ko bhut tej fever ho raha aur headache bhi. So I thought use kuch khila kar medicine de deti hu. Waps car chala kar bhi toh wo hi le jayega aise mein fir weak feel hoga use." Mrs. Ahmed understood and said, "Beta tum medicine dekho, main khana nikaal deti hu." Shibra nodded and went to the study room. In the study room, they kept a medicine box for emergencies. She took the medicine and went towards the kitchen. When she arrived, Mrs. Ahmed had already prepared a food tray for Ibrahim. So she took the food tray and medicine to the guest room next to Aqsa's room.
Everyone was talking in the hall, but Shibra went to the guest room with the tray in her hand. Everyone's eyes followed her. Mrs. Ahmed came behind her, and Mr. Ahmed asked, "Kya hua begum?" Mrs. Ahmed replied, "Wo Ibrahim ko fever aur headache ho Raha hain toh isliye Shibra unhe khana aur medicine Dene Gaye hain." Mr. Khan and Mrs. Khan looked at each other, and Mrs. Khan said, "Arey haan, ye Ibrahim bhi na bhut careless hain. Bilkul khyal nahi rkhta aur humne isse itna mana kiya tha ki aaj na aaye aram kar le Ghar par. Par nahi baji se milne ki zidd lagaye hui thi. Koi nahi aap log pareshan nahi ho thik ho jayega Shibra gaye haina medicine le kar." With that, everyone again started chatting on random topics. Aqsa, meanwhile, was deep in thought, "Isliye jab unhone mujhe bachaya I felt his body warm." She was somewhat bored with the elders' conversations.
Author's note
Important Update for Readers
Hey everyone! Just a heads-up that the chapters I'm posting here have been slightly updated and improved compared to what's on Wattpad. Don't worry, the story and plot are exactly the same—I've only improved the way it's written.
The best part? All chapters here are totally free! You don't need to pay anything to read them. These updates will eventually make it to Wattpad, but that'll take a bit of time. So, if you want to read the most polished version of their story, I'd suggest starting right here.
Enjoy the journey!
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