Rumaan’s POV

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

But there was no response. I was about to break it when suddenly the door opened. My Hana stood there, and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

Her eyes were puffy and red, her hair disheveled. She looked like a mess, but still, my restless heart wanted nothing more than to hold her in my arms—and I did.

I stepped inside and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug.

Pulling her back, I began kissing her face all over. I couldn’t believe how scared I had been. She froze at first, surprised, but then closed her eyes and let me continue. I kissed her forehead, cheeks, eyes, nose, jaw, and then pecked her lips repeatedly—just to give my restless heart a little peace.

“Why weren’t you opening the door? Do you have any idea—you scared the hell out of me!” I said, hugging her tightly again. After I got what I wanted—the peace I craved—I finally pulled back.

“Why did you come here?” she asked after some time, moving toward her bed and standing with her back to me.

“Because I wanted to talk to you,” I said softly.

“But I don’t want to talk to you,” she replied sharply, and I knew the words I had spoken earlier had angered her deeply.

“Hana… listen, I—”

“What?! What do you have to say?!” she yelled, turning to face me.

“Jaan-e-maan (love of my life), listen to me. You’re taking everything wrong,” I said calmly, walking closer to her.

“I’m taking everything wrong?! Didn’t you choose her over me? She means more to you than I do!” she shouted, hitting my chest, making me stumble. I felt anger rising inside me, but I controlled it as much as I could. I had already hurt her feelings before—I didn’t want to repeat that mistake.

“Jaan, she means nothing to me. Trust me,” I pleaded, cupping her face. But she shook her head, her face burning with anger. I couldn’t understand why she was behaving like this. She had never acted this way with me before.

“You said I’m not worth your time, right? Then why are you here, wasting your precious time on me?!” she shouted, grabbing my collar.

“I didn’t mean it like that. You know I was angry…” I spoke softly, trying to calm her down, but she didn’t seem to hear me.

“What am I to you? Your punching bag? If you’re angry, you take it out on me?!” she screamed again.

“Hana, stop shouting!” I hissed, freeing my collar from her grip.

“What were you both doing all this time? Did you take her on a date? Was she worth your time?!” she shouted again, ignoring my words.

“You know what?! You’re sick! I don’t know why I’m even wasting my time talking to you! You’re not in the right state of mind!” I yelled in frustration, because I was done. I turned to leave.

“Where are you going?” she asked in a low tone, standing in front of me.

“I’m tired, Hana! I need space,” I said, trying to walk past her, but she held my arm.

“Space from whom?” she asked, her voice breaking.

“From you! From this headache of a relationship! I can’t take this anymore!” I yelled, holding my head in frustration.

“What do you mean?” she asked, her wide eyes brimming with tears. I sighed and cupped her face.

“Hana… I think we should break whatever this is—for some time. We both need a break and some space,” I said, seeing the hurt in her eyes but brushing it off.

“No, Maan! Don’t say that! Okay, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have behaved like this, but don’t leave me,” she begged, and I shook my head, wiping her tears.

“Hana, I’m not leaving you. I just need a break from this—for some time. I’m taking all rights from you. You will not interfere in my life, and you’ll live your life peacefully while I live mine without any tension,” I said, kissing her forehead. Then I literally ran out of there—because I couldn’t stand to see that look in her eyes.

---

Hana’s POV

I was shocked. Broken. I couldn’t believe Maan had just told me he wanted space from me. He was tired of our relationship… tired of my love?

But what could I do? He had just taken away all my rights to interfere in his life.

My heart ached with a new kind of pain—sharp, raw, unbearable. It felt like this pain had only just begun, and I would have to carry it for God knows how long.

I fell to the ground, struggling to breathe under the weight of it all. My tears wouldn’t stop; I wept loudly, my body trembling.

“Why, Maan? Why is my love for you… giving me this much pain? Why is my love for you killing me day by day?” I mumbled through sobs.

“Don’t break me, Maan… please don’t,” I cried and cried—until I felt something twist in my stomach, rising to my throat. I stumbled to the bathroom and threw up everything I had eaten that evening.

When I came back, I collapsed onto my bed. Within moments, sleep consumed me, my head throbbing painfully.

---

Author’s POV

Days passed like this. Hana grew more broken with each day, because Rumaan began avoiding her, spending most of his time with Ariba. Whenever Hana felt she couldn’t bear the distance anymore, she tried to talk to him, but he ignored her and walked away.

Her heart shattered again and again. Ariba never missed a chance to get closer to Rumaan—sitting beside him at the dining table, in the living room, or walking in the garden while holding his hand. And Rumaan didn’t stop her. That broke Hana even more.

Her health deteriorated day by day. She tried to hide it by keeping herself busy in wedding preparations, but Shabana noticed her dizziness and vomiting. Many times she told Hana to go to the hospital, but Hana refused, saying it was nothing and she would be fine. But deep down, Shabana knew what was happening—and wondered how her son would react.

On the other hand, Rumaan tried his best to find peace by staying away from Hana, but he couldn’t. He busied himself with wedding preparations and with Ariba—not with wrong intentions, only as friends. Yet whenever Hana came into sight, his heart leapt in his chest, wanting to run to her.

Still, Rumaan’s mind reminded him of how Hana had behaved when he gave her too much importance. He wanted her to know she couldn’t control him. He could do whatever he desired. Though he had no interest in Ariba or any other girl, he pretended otherwise, showing comfort with Ariba when he really wasn’t.

“How are you?” Rumaan asked when he received a call from Jake.

“I’m good. What about you?” Jake asked.

“Fine,” Rumaan replied in a bored tone.

“What happened, dude?” Jake pressed.

“Nothing… just stress. It’s the wedding, so…” he trailed off.

“Don’t lie to me. Nothing can stress you out. Tell me what’s going on with your mood,” Jake said firmly.

“Uh… Hana.” Just saying her name made Jake huff on the other side.

“I knew it! You can’t handle this marriage thing, am I right?” Jake asked. Rumaan stayed silent.

“You know this marriage and commitment stuff—it’s not for boys like us. Before you go insane, just get rid of her,” Jake advised.

“Mind your tongue, Jake! She’s not some cheap girl I want to get rid of. She’s my wife. I accepted her. She’s precious to me. It’s just… something’s not right,” Rumaan said, rubbing his head.

“Okay, okay. Take your time. But I’m telling you… this marriage thing will ruin your dreams,” Jake said, making Rumaan uneasy.

“Nothing like that will happen. I know,” Rumaan said with a sigh, though he wasn’t sure.

“Let’s see,” Jake replied.

“Okay… I’ll talk to you later. I’m going shopping now,” Rumaan said, hanging up.

---

“Hana, come on! We’re getting late!” Fathima yelled from downstairs.

Fathima, Riya, Ariba, Shabana, Rumaan, and Hana were all going for the remaining shopping that day. Hana didn’t want to go, but she hadn’t done any shopping yet. So Fathima and Shabana forced her.

As Hana came downstairs, she felt dizzy. She held the railing for support but lost strength and was about to collapse when Rumaan rushed forward and caught her by the waist.

“Hanu! Are you okay?” he asked in concern. For the first time in almost two weeks, he spoke to her, and her eyes burned with tears.

She quickly steadied herself and tried to stand on her own. Seeing she was fine, Rumaan let her go.

“What happened, beta?” Shabana asked, rushing to her.

“Nothing, Mama… I’m just not feeling well. You guys go,” Hana said.

“No! I’m not going anywhere without you,” Fathima said stubbornly.

“Fathu aapi… please try to understand. From tomorrow, you can’t go outside before nikah, and you still have so much shopping left. Please go,” Hana requested.

“But Hana… you also need to shop. You haven’t bought anything yet,” Fathima argued.

“She’s right, beta. You should come with us,” Shabana said.

“Mama, you, Fathima aapi, and Riya aapi can shop for me. Fathu aapi knows my choices well. Please go,” Hana tried again.

“Okay… you all go. I’ll stay with Hana,” Shabana suggested, but Hana shook her head.

“No, Mama. Please don’t cancel your plans for me. You have to shop for aapi’s in-laws too. You need to go with them,” Hana said.

“She’s right, Mama. We need to leave—it’s already late. We have to be back before evening; our close relatives are coming,” Rumaan added, and they all reluctantly agreed.

Hana’s heart clenched at how he behaved—as though he didn’t care about her health. But she controlled her emotions and smiled, assuring them she was fine.

They went outside, and Hana followed them to the door. As they headed toward the car, Rumaan turned to look at her, but she shut the door before he could see her face. She leaned against it, sliding down as tears spilled out.

---

She lay on her bed, still weeping. Hours later, the doorbell rang, and she quickly wiped her face, combed her hair with her fingers, and went downstairs to open it.

“Muneeb,” she said softly, seeing him standing there with a grin that faded when he noticed her dull expression.

“What happened to you, Hana? Are you okay?” Muneeb asked with concern.

“I’m okay… just a little headache, that’s all,” Hana tried to assure him with a smile. He didn’t believe her but didn’t push her either, knowing she wouldn’t share her problems.

“Okay,” he said with a small smile.

“Come inside. Did you come alone? Where’s Marzi aapi, Nabeel bhai, and all the children?” Hana asked.

“They’re coming in the car. I came on my bike,” he replied happily.

“Okay, come,” Hana welcomed him.

“This is for you,” he said, handing her a plastic bag. She opened it to find a box of ice cream. Without realizing, her mood instantly lit up.

“I know only one thing makes you happy—chocolate ice cream,” he said, smiling at her.

“Hm,” she hummed, opening the box and digging in.

“At least say thank you,” Muneeb teased, rolling his eyes playfully.

“You want me to thank you?” she asked, pouting. Muneeb nodded.

“But you want it, na? I don’t,” she said, giggling.

“Give me my ice cream back,” he said, reaching for the box, but she glared at him and hid it behind her back.

“No! Now it’s mine,” she said, pushing him slightly and sitting on the sofa. Muneeb sat beside her, smiling as he watched her eat.

When Hana noticed his gaze, she looked up, confused. He shook his head but then leaned closer.

“Let me taste,” he said, trying to take her spoon. She shook her head, but Muneeb grabbed her hand, guiding the spoon toward his mouth. In their struggle, the spoon slipped and spilled ice cream on his shirt.

“What did you do, Hana?” he exclaimed.

“You deserved it,” she smirked.

“If I deserve it, then you deserve this,” he said, dipping his fingers in the ice cream and smearing it on her face. Her eyes widened.

“What the hell?!” she yelled, doing the same to him. Soon they were throwing ice cream at each other. For a while, Hana forgot all her pain and giggled wholeheartedly.

“Muneeb, stop it!” she laughed, covering her face as he rubbed ice cream on her cheeks.

“Now tell me, who deserves it?” he asked, laughing.

“You deserve it!” she said between giggles.

“Muneeb—” they both froze at the sound of Shabana’s voice. They turned to see everyone standing at the door.

Shabana and Fathima were smiling, while Riya looked displeased.

She wasn’t well enough to shop, but now… Riya thought bitterly.

Rumaan, meanwhile, stood there burning with rage, his jaw clenched and fists tightened. He hated how close they were standing. But instead of reacting, he walked past them, shooting Hana a deadly glare. She immediately stepped away from Muneeb, knowing how much Maan despised her being close to him.

A while later, Marziya arrived with her husband and children, along with other close relatives. Everyone spent some time together.

•••••••••••

Edited Chapter:

"Hana, look what we brought for you?" Fathima said, placing Hana's shopping bags on the bed.

Hana was about to sleep, but Fathima barged into her room since she hadn’t gotten the chance to give Hana her things earlier.

"What's all this, Aapi?" Hana asked.

"Your mehndi day dress and nikah day dress," Fathima replied excitedly while taking the dresses out to show Hana.

"How is it?" Fathima asked, holding up the mehndi day dress.

"It's nice," Hana answered with a smile.

"Aaand... how about this?" Fathima said with even more excitement, showing her the heavy golden-colored dress.

Hana looked at the dress and frowned.

"But Aapi, your in-laws already gave you a nikah dress. Then why did you buy this?" Hana asked, confused.

"It's not for me, duffer... it's for you," Fathima said, and Hana's eyes grew wide.

"What?! Are you mad? I’m not going to wear this dress... it’s your wedding, not mine! This is too much... I can—" Hana was panicking but stopped when Fathima said something she never expected.

"Rumaan bought this dress for you," Fathima informed her.

Hana stared at her in disbelief. Blinking once, twice, she asked softly,

"Maan bought this for me?! Like he chose this for me himself?!"

"Yes, Hanu. He told me not to tell you, but seeing your reaction, I knew you wouldn’t wear it if I didn’t," Fathima said with a shrug.

Hana looked at the dress again, and a wave of joy filled her heart. This was the first time Maan had bought something for her. Fathima asked if she would wear it or not, and Hana nodded with a smile, deciding she would wear it for her Maan.

Fathima smiled and left the room.

The next day went smoothly as everyone applied mehndi on their hands. Hana too applied mehndi and asked Fathima to write Rumaan’s name on her palm.

After that, Fathima adorned Hana’s wrists with red flower bangles before walking away. Hana, smiling, turned around and bumped into someone.

She looked up and saw Rumaan staring at her. She smiled as he absentmindedly reached out and held her hands.

Rumaan couldn’t help himself—he loved seeing her mehndi-filled hands and red flower bangles.

"You like it?" Hana asked.

Rumaan nodded with a smile and was about to kiss her hands, but then remembered he had taken a break from this relationship. Quickly, he let go of her hands and walked away before he could do something he might not be able to stop.

Hana stood there, hurt, her smile fading.

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