Author's POV

"Ain," he called gently as she resumed her packing. "Listen."

"No. We’re leaving," she said firmly without turning.

"Where will we go?" he asked calmly.

"We can rent a house. Can’t you do this much for me?"

He smiled, walked towards her, gently took her wrist, and made her sit on the bed. Sitting beside her, he spoke softly.

"If you want, I can even buy you a house. But what I mean is—where will we go, leaving behind our family? Will we really be happy doing that?"

Aina looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Saim smiled tenderly and wiped the lone tear that slid down her cheek.

"You don’t want this either. You’re just angry," he stated with quiet certainty.

Before she could respond, a knock sounded at the door. Saim stood to open it.

“Bhai…” Affan and Zaid said in unison as Saim opened the door.

Saim was surprised to find them there. He stepped aside, and they entered. Their eyes widened in panic when they saw the bed covered in clothes.

“Tum sach mein ghar chhod kar jana chahti ho?” Affan asked, still unable to believe it. (Are you really planning to leave this house?)

“Toh kya laga aapko, mazak kar rahi thi?” she replied, folding her arms tightly. (So what did you think, I was joking?)

“Bhai, aap bhi is jhalli ki baaton mein aa gaye?” Zaid stepped forward. (Bro, you also gave in to this silly girl?)

“Aina, we know we acted irrationally with Bhai. We should have understood—it was just an accident. No one was at fault,” Zaid said, shame written all over his face.

“And now we should be happy… because you’ll always be with us. And Bhai is the best husband you could have,” Affan added. Then they both turned to Saim, heads lowered.

“We’re sorry, Bhai,” they said together.

Saim smiled, pulling both of them into a hug. Slowly, Aina’s lips curved into a soft smile too.

“It’s okay,” he said, patting their backs.

“Now tell her to stop this nonsense,” Affan muttered as they stepped back. Zaid nodded in agreement.

“No! I’m not changing my mind,” Aina said with mock anger, turning away.

“Okay, fine. Go alone—I’m not letting you take my brother,” Zaid said, pulling Saim toward him.

Aina frowned and grabbed Saim’s hand, pulling him back toward her.

“He’s coming with me!”

“Nope! He’s staying here.”

“He’ll go wherever I go,” she announced, proud and defiant.

“Oh really?” Zaid let go of Saim’s hand, and Aina, pulling with full force, stumbled and fell back onto the bed—Saim falling with her.

Zaid and Affan stood frozen, eyes and mouths wide open.

Aina’s eyes were shut tight while Saim froze, finding himself hovering above her.

“Aina…” Affan took a step forward, but Zaid grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

“Arre, let them…”

“She’s my sister, Zaid,” Affan growled, scowling.

“Arre yaar, now your sister is someone’s wife,” Zaid whispered with meaning, reminding Affan of the new reality.

“Oh,” Affan muttered, retreating quietly, the embarrassment dawning on him.

Meanwhile, Aina opened her eyes and found Saim above her. Her heart skipped a beat, and a deep blush rushed to her cheeks. Her fair, milky skin turned crimson.

Her lashes fluttered as she realized he wasn’t moving. Saim, equally stunned, quickly got up.

“uhm… sorry,” Aina mumbled, adjusting her dupatta. “I-I’ll just rearrange the wardrobe,” she stammered, collecting the scattered clothes.

Saim stared at her flushed face for a long moment, frowning slightly before leaving the room.

Aina let out a breath and flopped on the bed.

“Control your emotions, Aina… or he’ll find out how you feel. And it’s not the right time,” she muttered, rubbing her face to calm herself.

________

In the days that followed, things started to fall into place. The brothers began talking to Saim again. They forgave him, and that eased his guilt of having "ruined" Aina’s life. Slowly, he began to accept the new reality—his new life and his wife. Though he hadn’t accepted Aina completely yet, he was trying. He was trying to be her friend again. Trying to see her from a new lens.

They began chatting at night—about work, studies, their days. He helped her with her studies like he used to. Just like today—Aina had an exam, and she couldn’t solve a few questions. Saim had just returned from the office when he saw her struggling.

“Aina! Focus!” His sudden loud voice startled her.

“Chilla kyun rahe hain…” she mumbled, pouting and burying her head in her book. (Why are you yelling…)

“You’re not concentrating. That’s why it’s taking so long,” he said sternly.

“Mujhe neend aa rahi hai,” she looked up at him with sleepy eyes. “Aur aapne bhi toh kuch nahi khaya hoga na…” she added softly, realizing he hadn’t eaten dinner. (I’m sleepy… and you haven’t eaten either, have you?)

“I’ll eat later. First, finish this chapter.”

“No. First you’ll eat. I’ll warm your food. After that, I’ll finish studying.”

“Promise?”

She made a face but relented. “Okay, promise.”

They went to the kitchen. Aina warmed the food and set the small table neatly.

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

After dinner, they returned to the room. Before he could speak, Aina jumped into bed and wrapped herself tightly in the blanket.

“Ain,” he called.

“Aina, you’re breaking your promise,” he warned.

No reply.

“You’ll fail your exam,” he added dramatically. Still no reply.

“Fine, I won’t talk to a promise-breaker,” he muttered, settling on the sofa.

Suddenly, she sat up. “Don’t say that,” she pouted.

He stayed silent.

“Okay fine, I’ll do it now!” she whined, walking to the floor and grabbing her notebook. Sitting down, she began solving the problems.

Saim smiled. She always caved when he said he wouldn’t talk to her.

After she was done, she walked up to him, holding out her notebook. He was scrolling his phone but looked up and took it.

“Hmm… Good,” he said with a soft nod and a small smile.

“I listened to you. Will you listen to me now if I ask for something?” she asked nervously, sensing his calm mood.

“Hmm. Kaho (say),” he replied, setting the notebook aside.

Instead of speaking, she extended her hand. He looked at it, confused.

“What?”

“Hold my hand.”

He frowned but obliged, taking her hand and standing.

Aina led him to the bed and made him sit on the left side—her usual spot was the right.

“Sleep on the bed. I don’t like seeing you on that uncomfortable sofa,” she said.

He stood back up. “Aina… if I sleep here, you’ll feel uncomfortable.”

“Says who?”

“I know.”

“No, you don’t.”

He looked at her. She stepped closer, holding both his hands.

“You’re my husband. I don’t feel uncomfortable around you. In fact, I feel secure…” She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his chest. “Secure in your arms.”

When he didn’t respond, she tightened her hold, afraid he might push her away.

“I want to give our marriage a chance.”

A single tear escaped her eye, dampening his shirt. It had been one and a half months—and still, he hadn’t taken a step toward their relationship. Yes, he was a kind friend, just like always. But he never crossed that line. And now, Aina had to take the first step.

Saim stood frozen. Her hug felt both wrong and so right. They were married. He didn’t want to divorce her. He didn’t want to hurt her again. Maybe now… it was time.

He slowly wrapped his arms around her.

“Me too,” he whispered.

She smiled, stepping back and wiping the corner of her eyes. “Now sleep,” she said quickly and darted to her side of the bed, covering herself completely with the comforter.

Saim chuckled. She was bold one moment, and the next, she’d run away blushing.

**********

The next morning, Aina woke up feeling light-headed. She sat up, eyes searching for the man who’d stolen her heart. The sofa was empty. She frowned—then looked to her side.

And there he was.

Sleeping peacefully beside her.

A huge smile spread across her face.

“Haye Allah… main mar hi na jaun,” Aina whispered, laying back on her stomach and gazing at his face. (Oh God… I might just die…)

He looked breathtaking. Her heart skipped a beat.

She gently pushed his hair off his forehead and leaned forward, placing a soft kiss there—then one on his cheek.

“Good morning,” she whispered to herself.

It was good. No—it was the best morning of her life.

She got up quietly and walked into the bathroom.

************

“No! This is mine!” Aina shrieked, trying to snatch the plate of cutlets. Only one was left—and Zaid wasn’t giving it up.

“I’m your brother-in-law—your husband’s brother. It’s your duty to feed your in-laws!” he declared smugly.

Everyone watched the drama with tired eyes. Zubaida was this close to throwing her slipper at Aina.

“Your stomach’s already full! You’ve eaten two. This cutlet is mine!”

“You ate two too! And I’m a boy—I need more. You’re a girl. Two’s enough for you.”

“Allah, Allah! You can’t bring gender into this! Ever heard of gender equality?”

“I have. But haven’t you heard about respecting your elders? I’m your elder brother!”

“Exactly!” Saim entered. “And she’s your elder sister-in-law, the eldest daughter-in-law of this house. So you respect her.”

“Haan! Respect me!” Aina grinned, snatching the plate as Zaid stared at Saim with betrayal written all over his face.

“Yeh cheating hai!” Zaid cried.

Everyone burst into laughter.

“Yeh justice hai,” Saim replied calmly, taking a toast. “You brought your powers—so I brought mine.”

“Here!” Zubaida walked in with more cutlets for Saim.

“Mama! Bhai got three!” Zaid cried again.

“He’s older than you. Show some respect.”

“Why is everyone older than me?!” Zaid grumbled, leaving the table, sulking.

Aina was about to eat her cutlet when suddenly, someone snatched it from behind.

“Bhai!” she screamed as Affan dashed away laughing.

“I was waiting to see who got it. If Zaid had won, I wouldn’t have tried. But you, my innocent little sister—you’re easy prey!” he shouted, running as Aina chased him around.

Finally, when he finished eating, Aina glared.

“Ain. Take this,” Saim offered, pointing to his plate.

It wasn’t the first time he was sharing his food with her, yet everyone twisted the care and affection Saim had for Aina—as his wife.

"Hooh!!" Affan and Zain hooted, making Aina blush while Saim shot a glare at the boys.

But it didn’t affect them.

“No, it’s okay. I’m done anyway,” Aina said with a nervous chuckle and left for her room to grab her bag. She was getting late for college.

He was waiting for her when his mother came and sat beside him. He looked at her.

"Do you want to say something?" he asked.

"How do you know?"

"I am your son, Mama."

"Oh, that should be my dialogue."

Saim laughed at her words. Shamim shook her head with a smile.

“So, how’s married life treating you?” Saim’s smile faded.

“Good,” he tried to smile again, but she was his mother—she could always see through him. She held his hand gently.

“I don’t know, Mama. I feel guilty. I feel like I don’t deserve her. She’s too good for me. Innocent, beautiful... and my youngest cousin.” He rested his head on his mother’s shoulder.

“But now she’s your wife, beta (son).”

“I’ve never seen her that way. It’s difficult…” he mumbled. He had wanted to talk to someone for so long, but Aina being his cousin made it awkward. Still, now that his mother was asking, he couldn’t stop himself from pouring his heart out.

“If you never saw her that way before, then start now. See her as your wife. Accept her, and give her the love, respect, and attention she deserves. Only then can you both have a happy marriage. She will be happy.” She cupped his cheeks. “I see loneliness in her eyes even though she tries to smile all the time—just like always. But there’s sadness there. And that sadness isn’t because she had to marry you, but because you’re not giving her the rights she deserves as your wife. I’ve seen the fondness in her eyes, the shine when she looks at you. As a woman, and as a wife, I can tell you—she’s accepted you as her husband and wants your attention.” She squeezed his hand. “Accept her, Saim. She was always in your fate, and you in hers. So don’t say she doesn’t deserve you. But if you deprive her of her rights, then people will say she doesn’t deserve you. And I won’t let anyone question my upbringing. I know you’ll keep her happy—and she’ll keep you happy.”

Saim stared at his mother as she finished.

“Are you sure?” he asked softly.

“Ask her yourself,” she said, rising from the sofa.

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“I’m nervous!” Aina exclaimed, anxiety creeping up on her. They were sitting in the car outside her university. Saim had come to drop her off, but seeing her flustered, he decided to calm her with his reassuring words.

“You’ll do great. Just give it your best—that’s all you need to do,” Saim said, holding her hands in a soothing manner.

It happened every time—on exam days, Aina panicked, being only average in her studies.

He pulled her closer and rubbed her back. He was hugging her. It had become normal now; they were never uncomfortable in each other's presence. Living under the same roof had brought them closer, so such gestures of care didn’t bother Saim anymore.

“Relax. You’ll do your best,” he said, patting her head. Aina slightly pulled away.

“All the best,” he added and placed a soft kiss on her forehead before leaning back. Aina’s cheeks flushed with warmth, and without meeting his eyes, she stepped out of the car, mumbling a soft “thank you.”

A small smile curved both their lips.

He wanted to give their marriage a chance—and thankfully, it wasn’t as hard as he had imagined.

Later, after her exam, Aina called Saim. He was in a meeting but didn’t decline her call. Raising a hand to the people in the room, he asked for a two-minute break and answered.

“Did you see my exam paper before tutoring me?” she asked the moment he picked up.

“What?” he asked, confused.

“70% of the questions were the exact ones you taught me! And I did my best! Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!!!” Aina squealed excitedly, making him laugh out loud.

“Congratulations. You’re lucky,” he said, smiling—genuinely happy that she had done well.

“No! I’ve never done this well in Maths before. I never get above 60%. But now I’m sure I’ll get no less than 80% this time. You’re my lucky charm. Thank you so much!” Her joy was contagious. Saim could hear it in her voice. Her laughter, her excitement—it made his heart feel a warm, pleasant tug.

He looked up when he heard someone clear their throat. His father raised his eyebrows, and Zaid was giving him a teasing grin.

“I’ll talk later, I’m in a meeting,” Saim said and ended the call after a cheerful “okay bye” from her.

“Sorry, that was Aina...” he paused for a second before completing the sentence with a smile.

“My wife.”

Everyone nodded with smiles, teasing him in a friendly way, knowing he had recently gotten married.

It was easy, in fact… Their marriage could have a beautiful future. And the thought, unknowingly, made his heart flutter and at peace.

If only he could see what the future held.

––––––––––––––

He went to her university to pick her up, as he had asked her to wait. She walked out of the gate smiling and got in the car, chattering excitedly about the exam.

“Thank you so much. You taught me so well!”

“Okay okay, enough of praising me. Let’s go have lunch—at your favorite restaurant,” he said, making her nod enthusiastically. He smiled, pleased to see her happy.

They drove across the city, a 40-minute journey, before reaching the restaurant. Once seated, they placed their order.

“Aapko pata hai jab aap nahi the toh mujhe koi yahan laata hi nahi tha kyunki yeh humare ghar se kaafi door hai,” she pouted.

(Do you know, when you weren’t here, no one would bring me here because it’s so far from our house.)

That pout made him chuckle.

“Ab main aa gaya hoon na? So whenever you want, we’ll come here,” he said with a smile.

(Now I’m here, right? So whenever you want, we’ll come here.)

The food was delicious, and they enjoyed it, chatting casually.

“Let’s order some dessert?” he said once they finished lunch. After placing the order, Saim looked straight into Aina’s eyes. She stopped speaking the moment she caught his intense gaze.

“I want to say something,” he said, holding her hand. Aina smiled and looked at their entwined hands.

“I’m all ears,” she replied softly and slowly intertwined her fingers with his. That small gesture made Saim’s heart skip a beat.

“Uh… I want to ask you something,” he said, to which Aina nodded, encouraging him.

“What do you think about our marriage?”

“Matlab?” she asked, confused.

(Meaning?)

“Matlab... do you want to continue this?”

(I mean… do you want to stay

in this marriage?)

“Aap nahi chahte?” she asked instead.

(Don’t you want to?)

“Of course I do. But I want to know your thoughts.”

She looked at him, then smiled and nodded.

“I’ve accepted you as my husband the day I said those two words.”

Saim stared at her, confused.

Why had she never seemed bothered by their marriage? he wondered.

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