Hana's POV

I didn’t know how long I cried after coming back to my room, thinking how Maan could do this to me. He supported her, not me. I know I did wrong, but can’t he see she was trying to come between us...

“Tsk tsk tsk.” I was busy crying when I heard someone’s mocking voice. I turned and saw Ariba standing at the doorway. My anger boiled inside me.

“Get the hell out of my room!” I yelled, but Ariba walked toward me smirking.

“How are you feeling now?” she asked with that same smirk.

“I know what you’re doing,” I said, glaring at her.

“Oh! Thank God you know that,” she said, sighing dramatically. I looked away, refusing to answer.

“Back off, Hana,” she suddenly said after a pause, and I looked at her, confused.

“Stay away from him,” she repeated, glaring. I raised my eyebrows.

“From whom should I stay away? Because as far as I know, I’m not going after anyone who belongs to you,” I replied smartly, and her face turned red with rage.

“Rumaan belongs to me,” she hissed through gritted teeth.

“Oh! But last time I checked, he’s my husband, isn’t he?” I said, placing a finger on my chin as if I were thinking hard.

“Don’t play, Hana, because in the end you’ll lose,” she said with another smirk.

“My love for him will never make me lose him,” I answered confidently with a smile.

“Oh really! Is that so? But I thought just 25–30 minutes ago he made you apologize to me... am I right?” she asked smugly, and I felt hurt and embarrassed. She was right. Maan gave her more importance than me—but that didn’t mean I was going to let her enjoy it. I quickly masked my feelings with a smile.

“He thinks of you as his friend and our guest, so he doesn’t want to disappoint his guest. That’s why he told me to apologize to you—because he knew it’s my responsibility to take care of our guest’s comfort. And when I did something stupid, he had the right to be strict with me if I behaved like a stubborn brat. After all, I’m his wife,” I said proudly, smiling. Ariba’s smirk faded, replaced by anger. She stared at me for a moment before forcing a fake smile.

“You know what, Hana... me and Rumaan used to date each other. He really cared for me and always tried to make me feel like I was the love of his life... and...” she paused, smirking, making my heart fill with pain and hurt.

They used to date each other? But Maan told me she was only his friend... My thoughts were interrupted by her voice again.

“And if I was angry or upset, he always tried to cheer me up by cooking for me and...” she paused again, smiling shyly.

“A... and?” I found myself asking, even though it hurt.

“And kissing me, loving me all nigh—”

“Stop it!” I screamed before she could finish. Tears poured down my face shamelessly.

“Why? Can’t you bear this? This is the truth. If you don’t believe me, you’re free to ask him,” she said, crossing her arms.

No! That was his past... she was his past. He let Ellen go for me. He will never cheat on me—I know it.

I reassured myself, wiping my tears, and looked at her with confidence.

“That was all his past. His present and future... is me. And it always will be me. I know he will never cheat on me. Now, for him, you’re only his friend, nothing else,” I said confidently.

“So you think, for him, you’re more important than me?” she asked, raising her eyebrows. I nodded without hesitation.

“Yes.”

“So let’s find out who’s more important to him,” she suggested, smirking. I looked at her, confused.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“You ask him to take you out, and I’ll ask him to take me out. Let’s see who he chooses,” Ariba said.

“It’s obvious he’ll take me out,” I replied with confidence.

“Let’s see,” she winked before walking out.

Why is she so confident? As if she already won... I wondered.

★★★★

I was in my room, disturbed and restless. I hadn’t eaten my breakfast properly, and now I was hungry, but my heart was heavy and I had no appetite.

After crying for who knows how long, I calmed down and thought about Ariba’s challenge. I knew I was more important to Maan than she was, but still, I wanted to prove it to her.

But apart from that, my heart ached because Maan didn’t come to see me after I ran out of Ariba’s room crying.

“Doesn’t he care about me?” I mumbled, as a tear slipped down my cheek.

“I care about you,” came a voice from the doorway. I turned and saw Maan—my Rumaan—standing there. He walked toward me, his eyes fixed on mine.

“Are you okay?” he asked, but I turned my back to him.

“Angry?” he asked again, sitting behind me and wrapping his arms around me.

“Don’t talk to me,” I mumbled, pouting.

“Can I breathe without talking to you?” he asked, kissing my shoulder. My heart skipped a beat, but I stayed stubborn.

“You can! You said you would stop talking to me if I didn’t apologize to that witch,” I said, wiping my tears.

“Baby, I’m sorry,” he said softly.

“Don’t call me baby,” I pouted again, and he chuckled.

“Okay, Jaan-e-maan... but that was wrong, Hanu. You shouldn’t have done that to her. She’s sensitive—she can’t handle spicy food. But my Hanu is strong, and I knew you would apologize if I threatened you. And I swear, I did that only because I didn’t want things to come out of that room. If Nawaz bhai or any family member found out, they would think badly of you—and I never want anyone to think my Hana is a bad girl.”

He was right. If I hadn’t apologized, Ariba would’ve complained about me.

“Okay... but tell me one thing. If I hadn’t apologized to her, would you really have stopped talking to me?” I asked, my eyes wet again.

“Nope! That was just to threaten you,” he admitted with a wink.

“You mean it was a false threat, Maan?” I asked, glaring, and he nodded.

“Yes. How can I stop talking to you? You’re my entertainment,” he teased. I slapped his arm lightly while he laughed.

“Come, let’s go,” he said after a while, getting off the bed and holding my wrist.

“Where?” I asked, confused.

“For lunch. You didn’t eat breakfast properly, and now it’s lunch time. Everyone’s waiting.”

But I didn’t get up.

Ariba’s words rang in my ears. I wanted to prove she was wrong—that I was more important.

“I’m not hungry,” I said, freeing my wrist slowly. His eyebrows rose, arms crossing.

“Hana, why are you behaving like this?” he narrowed his eyes.

“Like what?” I snapped, though I hadn’t meant to.

“Like this—stubborn and feisty.”

“And why are you acting like you don’t care about me?” I shot back, tears pooling in my eyes. (Emotional blackmail, I smirked inwardly.)

“If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t have come here to take you to lunch,” he said matter-of-factly.

I stood, placed both hands on his folded arms, and looked at him with pleading eyes.

“If you care, then take me out for dinner tonight,” I demanded.

“Why?” he asked, confused.

“What do you mean why? You promised to take me on a date. Did you forget?” I said, tears falling.

His eyes softened. He cupped my face gently.

“Meri jaan (my love), I’ll take you on a date. But not today, please.”

“Why?” I asked, dejected.

“I have some work today... and I want our date to be the best. I don’t have time to plan today. But I promise I’ll take you soon, and it will be the best day of your life.” He kissed my forehead lovingly.

But anger rose in me again.

“Let’s go, I’m hungry,” he said, holding my wrist. But I jerked my hand free.

“No! I’m not coming. Promise me first, or else I won’t come,” I yelled. His jaw tightened as he tried to control his anger.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” he snapped.

“Maan, please, take me—”

“I’m not taking you anywhere!” he cut me off and stormed out. I burst into tears.

It’s okay, Hana. If he can’t take you, then he won’t take Ariba either. He’s busy today.

I tried to comfort myself, lying back on my bed.

________________

Rumaan’s POV

I was shocked to know that Hana pulled this type of prank on Ariba. I didn’t expect her to behave so stubbornly when I told her to apologize to Ariba. She flatly refused to obey me, and I didn’t like that attitude, so I threatened her—and it worked. She apologized to Ariba. But then, before leaving the room, she looked at me with hurtful eyes that pierced my heart. Still, like always, I ignored it.

After Hana walked out of Ariba’s room, I turned to Ariba.

“Ariba, again I’m sorry for Hana’s behavior... she’s not like this. She’s usually a sweet girl, but I don’t know what happened to her,” I said, rubbing my forehead.

“It’s okay, Rahem,” Ariba said, smiling. And I couldn’t help but wonder—since when did Ariba change like this? She was never the type of person who forgave easily.

I was lost in my thoughts when my phone rang. It was Munaf. I picked it up, and he told me his chef wanted me to taste some new dishes and desserts for Fathima’s wedding, so I could approve whether we wanted them or not.

“Whose call was that?” Ariba asked as I hung up after confirming I would meet them at 6 p.m.

I told her about Munaf and his chef, and that I was going to taste their new dishes and desserts.

“Can I come with you?” she asked, making me look at her in confusion.

“Ariba, what will you even do there? I’m going for—” She cut me off.

“For tasting amazing food! And Rahem, I really want to try those new dishes. Please take me with you... please, please, pretty please,” she pleaded cutely, and I couldn’t say no. I agreed.

“But you weren’t feeling well earlier?” I asked.

“I’m feeling fine now... and if I go out with you, I’ll feel even better,” she said with a smile. I just nodded.

As I stepped out of Ariba’s room, I thought about checking on Hana, but Baba summoned me to his study for some work.

After a few hours, I was finally free. Then Mama called everyone for lunch. I sat down and was about to take my plate, but stopped when I noticed Hana wasn’t there.

“Where’s Hana?” I asked Mama.

“I don’t know... I haven’t seen her since morning,” Mama replied, and I instantly knew she was still offended with me. I stood up to go.

“Where are you going?” Mama asked.

“I’m going to call Hana. She didn’t eat breakfast properly,” I said with concern, and saw Mama smiling softly at me before nodding.

As I entered Hana’s room, I heard her talking to herself, saying things like I don’t care about her and all.

I told her I cared, and she looked at me, surprised. I went closer and tried to make her understand. When she finally calmed down, I held her wrist and asked her to come with me for lunch, but she refused and instead demanded I take her on a date. Hearing her cute demand brought a smile to my face. God knows how much I wanted to fulfill it, but I couldn’t. I had to go to the restaurant today—it was important. Fathu’s wedding was just two weeks away, and the menu still hadn’t been finalized.

I told her softly and lovingly that I couldn’t take her today. But she began showing her stubbornness again, and that made me lose my temper. I don’t like it when she behaves stubbornly or throws tantrums.

I angrily refused to take her anywhere and walked out of her room. I didn’t go for lunch either, because my appetite was gone.

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

Author’s POV

Hana eventually came out of her room, feeling hungry, and went to the kitchen. She served herself some rice and began eating like a starving person.

“Hana beta, slow down,” Shabana said in amusement as she watched Hana eat hurriedly.

“Mama, I’m very hungry,” Hana said, pouting. Shabana smiled.

“Okay, eat... and drink this juice too,” she said, taking out juice from the fridge and placing it in front of Hana.

“Aunty.”

Both Hana and Shabana turned toward the voice and saw Ariba standing in the doorway. She was fully dressed, wearing a sleeveless top and jeans. Hana gave her a displeased look before continuing her food.

“Aunty, me and Rahem are going out,” Ariba said. Hana’s head snapped up instantly.

“Go... going out?” Hana muttered, but Ariba heard her and smirked.

“Yeah, Rahem is taking me out,” she said and winked at Hana before walking away.

Hana felt as if Ariba had stabbed her right in the heart. She kept staring at Ariba’s retreating figure with wide, hurtful eyes.

“No... he can’t take her. She must be lying,” Hana mumbled under her breath, tears filling her eyes.

“Hana beta, are you okay?” Shabana asked, confused, placing her hand on Hana’s shoulder. But Hana quickly stood up and ran out, leaving Shabana standing there, puzzled.

“Maan!” Hana yelled as she saw Rumaan and Ariba about to sit in the car. Rumaan looked back at her. She ran toward him and stood in front of him, panting.

“Whe... where are you... go... going?” she asked, breathless.

“None of your concern,” he replied coldly. He was still angry at her for her earlier behavior. He turned to leave, but Hana grabbed his arm tightly.

Rumaan sighed and looked back at her, seeing tears rolling down her cheeks. She stared at him silently, waiting for him to say something. After a long moment of silence, Rumaan sighed in defeat and decided to explain about the restaurant meeting.

“We’re going to the restaurant fo—” he began, but Hana cut him off.

“Restaurant...? You said you were busy today, that you didn’t have time to take me for dinner... but you have time for her!” Hana accused, pointing her finger at Ariba without even glancing at her.

Rumaan’s blood boiled at her accusations, thrown without even listening to his side.

“Rahem... it’s okay. If she doesn’t want me to go then—” Ariba began, but Rumaan didn’t let her finish.

“No, Ariba. We’re going. And you—” he turned to Hana, his eyes blazing. “Yes! I don’t have time for you, because you’re not worth it.”

His words broke her completely. She froze on the spot, watching as he and Ariba got into the car and drove away.

She didn’t know how long she stood there, but when her head began spinning, she slowly turned and walked back inside the house.

**********

Hana’s POV

I came into my room and locked the door behind me. Then I lay down on my bed, staring at the ceiling.

The thought that she was more important to him than me was killing me inside. I felt pain, sharp and unbearable, piercing through my heart. I couldn’t endure this torment. I thought I was important... but I’m not!

“Yes, I don’t have time for you, because you’re not worth it.”

His voice echoed in my head, and I began crying my heart out.

“You failed me, Maan! You failed me!”

Saying this, I covered my face with my palms and cried—God knows how long—until sleep finally consumed me.

---

Rumaan’s POV

I shouldn’t have spoken to her like that... I know. But she had started behaving strangely, and I couldn’t stand it. Hana wanted to control me, and I hated that. I never imagined she would become like this—so demanding, so stubborn. But then again, who could blame her?

She’s a girl, and when a boy gives them too much importance, they start trying to control him. That’s exactly why I’ve always hated serious relationships.

If it were anyone else in her place, I would’ve freed myself a long time ago. But no... she’s Hana. My Hana. And I couldn’t let her go. Just that thought alone made me restless—and I didn’t even know why.

“Rahem, this one is delicious. Taste it,” Ariba said.

We were sitting at a small table in the restaurant, where Munaf and his chef had served us their special dishes. But I couldn’t bring myself to eat anything. I was too distracted—too haunted by Hana’s tears. Her broken face when I told her she wasn’t important kept flashing before me, filling me with anxiety.

I have to go to her. I have to apologize. I need to make her realize that she is more important to me than anything.

Lost in thought, I nodded to myself.

“Rahem,” I heard Ariba’s irritating voice pulling me back.

“What, Ariba?” I asked harshly.

“Taste it,” she said, pushing a dessert toward me.

“Please, you have it. And if you like it, then we’ll add it to the menu,” I replied. She nodded.

“Now, let’s go,” I said, standing up.

“We can go after dinner,” she suggested, but I shook my head.

“No. I want to have my dinner with my wife,” I said firmly. She gave me a displeased look, but I didn’t care. I just wanted her to know what Hana meant to me.

I started walking toward the exit while Ariba followed. I quickly messaged Munaf, telling him I had to leave but that I really liked the food and wanted it added to the wedding menu.

---

As soon as I came home, I asked Fathima where Hana was.

“She’s in her room. I went there and knocked many times, but she didn’t open the door,” Fathima replied. I immediately headed toward Hana’s room.

I knocked on the door, but she didn’t open. “Hana,” I called, but there was no response.

“Hana, open the door,” I said more loudly and sternly, knocking again. Still, nothing.

“Hana, I said open the door!” I tried once more, frustration building inside me.

“Hanu... jaan (beloved), open the door. Look, I’m sorry. Please open the door,” I pleaded. I couldn’t believe myself—me, a man, begging a girl. But then again, this wasn’t just any girl. This was Hana, the only one who had ever made me feel things I’d never felt before.

“Jaan-e-maan (love of my life), I’m sorry. Please open the door. You’re scaring me now, Hanu,” I almost begged, anxiety knotting in my chest.

Still no response.

“Hana, open the door, damn it!” I yelled, banging hard on the door.

Ya Allah! I hope she’s fine.

A terrifying thought struck me—what if she had done something to herself? She wasn’t in her right mind. She had looked too broken, too shattered, by my behavior earlier.

That thought was killing me from the inside.