The garden had become a sanctuary for the family. The warm sunlight of the next day painted golden streaks on the lush greenery as everyone gathered again, basking in the comfort of each other’s presence. Conversations flowed easily, laughter echoed, and an air of contentment lingered.

Mahenoor, seated beside Sanober, noticed her cousin’s unusually quiet demeanor. Sanober’s usual liveliness seemed subdued, and Mahenoor couldn’t ignore the worry lines etched on her face.

“Sanober Appi,” Mahenoor said softly, nudging her cousin. “Is everything okay? You’ve been quiet since yesterday. You know you can talk to me, right?”

Sanober hesitated, her gaze dropping to her hands. “I don’t know if you’d understand, Mahenoor. It’s… complicated.”

Mahenoor placed a reassuring hand on her cousin’s arm. “Try me. Maybe I can help.”

Sanober took a deep breath, as if gathering courage. “It’s about Mohammad.”

Mahenoor’s brows furrowed. “Mohammad Bhai? Did something happen?”

Sanober nodded, her voice tinged with frustration and sadness. “It’s not one thing—it’s everything. Lately, I feel like he doesn’t really understand me anymore. He’s always so busy, so caught up in his own world. And when we talk, it’s like he’s not even listening. It feels like I’m not a priority to him.”

Mahenoor listened intently, her heart aching for her cousin. “Have you told him how you feel?”

Sanober let out a dry laugh. “I’ve tried, but every time I bring it up, he either dismisses it or says I’m overthinking. I feel like I’m talking to a wall. And then there’s this wedding planning—he acts like it’s all my responsibility, like I’m the only one who has to make sacrifices.”

She paused, her voice cracking slightly. “And you know what hurts the most? I feel like he doesn’t see me anymore, not the real me. It’s like I’ve become this ‘fiancée’ figure to him, someone who’s just there to fit into his life, not someone he truly values.”

Mahenoor placed a comforting hand over Sanober’s. “Sanober Appi, relationships are never easy. But if you feel this way, you need to let him know. And if he truly cares, he’ll make the effort to understand and change. Have you thought about giving him a chance to prove himself?”

Sanober shrugged, a tear slipping down her cheek. “I’m scared, Mahenoor. What if he doesn’t change? What if I’m stuck in a relationship where I feel invisible?”

Mahenoor wiped her cousin’s tear gently. “That’s a fear only time can answer. But you owe it to yourself to try. If he loves you, he’ll make the effort. And if he doesn’t, then maybe he’s not the one for you after all.”

Sanober nodded slowly, a glimmer of determination returning to her eyes. “You’re right, Mahenoor. I’ll talk to him, but on my terms. I can’t keep sacrificing my happiness for his convenience.”

✨

The group’s mood lightened as they moved to the patio, where Ayaan and Zoya had already started one of their lighthearted arguments.

“I’m telling you, Mr.TeaseMaster, your sense of fashion is atrocious,” Zoya teased, eyeing his mismatched socks.

Ayaan feigned a mock offense. “Excuse me, this is a statement. It’s called ‘quirky.’ You wouldn’t understand.”

Zoya rolled her eyes. “Quirky? More like a fashion disaster. Honestly, I think even your childhood self dressed better.”

Ayaan leaned closer, his grin widening. “You’re just jealous that I can pull off anything and still look good.”

Zoya crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “Keep telling yourself that, Mr. Quirky. One day, reality might catch up with you.”

Ayaan leaned back, smirking. “And when that day comes, Miss Perfectionist, I’ll still be ahead of you.”

Their banter drew laughter from the others, and even Sanober cracked a small smile.

Meanwhile, Omar found himself seated beside Mahenoor, their conversation flowing with ease.

“You’ve been smiling a lot lately,” Omar remarked, his tone warm.

Mahenoor glanced at him, her lips curving into a soft smile. “It feels good to smile again. I didn’t realize how much I missed it.”

Omar’s gaze softened, and he spoke with quiet sincerity. “You should smile more often. It suits you."

Mahenoor’s cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “Thank you, Omar. That means a lot.”

He hesitated for a moment before adding, “You’ve always had a way of lighting up a room, Mah. Even in your silence, you’ve always had this presence. It’s good to see it returning.”

Her heart swelled at his words, and for a moment, she felt a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a long time.

As the evening deepened, Ayaan and Zoya found themselves alone in a quiet corner of the garden.

“You know,” Ayaan began, his tone teasing, “I think you secretly like my quirky style. Admit it, Little Dove.”

Zoya shook her head, a playful glint in her eyes. “In your dreams, Mr.TeaseMaster. I’m just trying to save you from public embarrassment.”

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Or maybe you just like having a reason to talk to me.”

Zoya’s breath hitched, her cheeks flushing. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

Ayaan grinned, his gaze locking onto hers. “Too late. I already know the truth.”

Zoya tried to maintain her composure, but her heart was racing. “You’re impossible, Ayaan.”

“And you’re irresistible, Little Dove,” he replied, his voice filled with a sincerity that caught her off guard.

For a moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them.

Later, as the family gathered again, laughter and joy filled the air. Sanober shared a funny childhood story, prompting everyone to burst into laughter. Even Mohammad’s earlier call seemed to fade into the background as she immersed herself in the love and support of her family.

Ayaan, taking advantage of the lively mood, leaned closer to Zoya and whispered, “You know, I think our families are rooting for us.”

Zoya glanced at him, her lips twitching into a smile. “And why would they do that?”

He smirked. “Because they can see what we can’t—or rather, what you won’t admit.”

Zoya rolled her eyes, but her smile didn’t fade. “You’re incorrigible, Ayaan.”

“And you’re stuck with me,” he shot back, his eyes twinkling.

The warmth of the evening lingered as the family continued to share stories, tease one another, and bask in the joy of togetherness. Despite the challenges each of them faced, they knew that their bond would always carry them through.

The next day:-

The evening air carried a soft chill, and the lights in the garden twinkled like stars. Inside the Shaikh household, the women gathered again, sharing laughter and moments of closeness. Yet, amidst the warmth, Sanober's mind was preoccupied. The echo of Mohammad’s words from their earlier conversation lingered in her thoughts.

As if on cue, her phone buzzed again. Seeing Mohammad’s name on the screen, Sanober hesitated. Her heart wavered between frustration and a pull to resolve the growing tension.

Sanober sighed, excused herself from the group, and moved to a quieter corner of the house. She answered the call.

Mohammad’s voice came through, softer this time, almost pleading. “Twinkle, please don’t hang up this time. I need to talk to you.”

Sanober leaned against the wall, her tone guarded. “Md, I don’t know what else there is to say. We’ve been going in circles.”

“I know,” Mohammad admitted, his voice heavy with regret. “I’ve been trying to understand where I went wrong, Twinkle. If I hurt you, if I did something to upset you, I’m sorry. But please, let me in. Tell me what’s really bothering you.”

Sanober closed her eyes, feeling a lump rise in her throat. “Md, it’s not just one thing. It’s… it’s the way you dismiss my concerns sometimes. I feel like you’re so focused on what you think is right for us that you forget to ask how I feel.”

Mohammad was silent for a moment, his breath audible on the line. “I never meant to make you feel that way. You’re the most important person in my life, Twinkle. If I’ve been blind to your feelings, I’ll change. I’ll do better. Just don’t push me away.”

His sincerity struck a chord in her heart. Sanober softened, her voice tinged with vulnerability. “I don’t want to push you away, Md. I just want us to be partners, equals. I need to feel like my voice matters, that my opinions are heard.”

Mohammad responded without hesitation, his tone firm yet gentle. “Your voice has always mattered to me, Twinkle. I’ll prove it to you, not just in words but in actions. But I can’t do it without you. Please, don’t shut me out.”

Sanober felt a tear slip down her cheek. “Okay, Md. Let’s try again. But this time, it has to be different.”

“It will be,” Mohammad promised. “I won’t let you down.”

For the first time in weeks, a sense of hope flickered between them.

🍁

While the evening at the Shaikh household unfolded with soft reconciliations, a darker chapter was being written elsewhere.

Omar and Ayaan stepped into the cold, dimly lit warehouse, the air thick with tension. Asjad sat slumped in a chair, his face bruised from their previous encounter. His eyes lifted to meet Omar’s, a flicker of defiance still burning in them.

Omar’s steps echoed as he approached, his expression as hard as stone. Ayaan followed closely, his demeanor equally stern but tinged with caution.

“Asjad,” Omar began, his voice calm but laced with menace. “I gave you a chance last time. I thought you’d learn. Clearly, I was mistaken.”

Asjad smirked, though it was weak. “You think you can scare me, Omar? You think a few bruises will make me bow to you?”

Omar’s jaw tightened. Without a word, he motioned for Ayaan to secure the door. The sound of the lock clicking into place sent a chill through the room.

“I don’t want your submission,” Omar said, his voice dangerously low. “I want your respect. And if you can’t give me that, I’ll take it.”

Before Asjad could respond, Omar’s fist connected with his jaw. The force sent Asjad’s head snapping back. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but he still managed a defiant chuckle.

“You think this will break me?” Asjad spat.

Omar leaned closer, his voice a deadly whisper. “This isn’t about breaking you. It’s about making sure you never cross me again.”

What followed was a brutal exchange. Omar’s strikes were calculated, each punch landing with precision. Ayaan watched silently, his expression unreadable, though his clenched fists betrayed his unease.

“You had the audacity to manipulate and hurt the people I care about,” Omar growled, gripping Asjad by the collar. “Did you think there wouldn’t be consequences?”

Asjad coughed, his defiance faltering. “You’re no saint, Omar. Don’t pretend you’re any better than me.”

Omar’s eyes blazed. “The difference between us is simple. I protect what’s mine. You destroy what you touch.”

Ayaan finally stepped forward, his voice steady but firm. “Omar, enough. He’s not worth it.”

Omar hesitated, his breathing heavy, but he released his grip. Asjad slumped in the chair, his face battered but his spirit visibly shaken.

“I’m giving you one last warning, Asjad,” Omar said, his tone icy. “If you ever come near Mahenoor or anyone I care about again, you won’t walk out of here alive.”

Asjad said nothing, his silence a reluctant acknowledgment of Omar’s dominance.

✨

The night wore on, and the family’s laughter filled the garden once more. Mahenoor glanced at Omar’s empty seat, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

“Where’s Omar?” she asked Ayaan as he returned to the group.

Ayaan shrugged, his expression casual. “He had some work to take care of. He’ll be back soon.”

Sanober, now visibly more at ease after her conversation with Mohammad, changed the subject. “Let’s talk about something lighter. Zoya, tell us about your latest project. You’ve been so secretive about it.”

Zoya smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “It’s not a big deal, really. Just a small art exhibition I’m putting together.”

Ayaan raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing. “Not a big deal? Little Dove, you’ve been working on this for months. Give yourself some credit.”

Zoya’s smile grew, a soft warmth in her eyes. “Thanks, Mr.TeaseMaster. That means a lot.”

Their gazes lingered for a moment before Zikra interjected with a playful smirk. “Are we witnessing a moment here?”

Zoya rolled her eyes, though her cheeks reddened. “Oh, stop it, Zikra.”

When Omar finally returned, his presence brought a subtle shift in the atmosphere. His gaze immediately sought out Mahenoor, who was deep in conversation with Sanober and Rida.

As he approached, Mahenoor looked up, her eyes meeting his. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a connection that words couldn’t define.

“Omar, you’re back,” she said softly.

He nodded, his voice gentle. “Sorry, I had some work to take care of.”

Sanober smirked, her teasing tone breaking the moment. “Work, huh? You always seem to have these mysterious errands, Omar.”

Omar chuckled, though his eyes never left Mahenoor. “Some things are better left unsaid.”

As the family slowly dispersed for the night, Omar found himself standing alone in the garden, the cool breeze brushing against his face.

Mahenoor joined him, her steps hesitant but sure. “Everything okay?” she asked.

He turned to her, his expression softening. “It is now.”

For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of their shared history hanging in the air.

“Omar,” Mahenoor began, her voice barely above a whisper, “thank you. For everything.”

He looked at her, his gaze filled with unspoken emotions. “You don’t have to thank me, Mah. I’m just glad to see you happy again.”

As the stars glittered above, the promise of a new chapter lay before them—a chapter of healing, hope, and perhaps, love.

So, the chapter is here lovelies ❤️.

Did you like the chapter???

Are you enjoying the banter between Zoya and Ayaan??

The next chapter will be uploaded here and inkitt on Thursday till then vote, comments on this chapter.

From the next chapter the chapters will be paid.

Do follow me on instagram for reels and updates.

I'd:- author_mahenoor.

Inkitt I'd:- Author_Mahenoor

Love you all byeeee 💞

Author_Mahenoor.