"Yes... She is absolutely alright...."

Mustafa entered the room having a small smile on his face and it looked like he was talking with someone which perked Maria's ears who was earlier eating her chocolate bar like a starved woman.

Hearing who was on the video call she snatched phone from Mustafa's hand and was about to curse when Mustafa concealed her face scolding her, rubbing her growing bump mumbling a soft sorry to the twins for their mother's colourful language.

"Kami-"

"Maria! Language..."

"Bhaad mein jaaye language."

(Language can go to hell.)

Rolling eyes she dismissed Mustafa flicking her hands and turned towards the screen to glare at Murat who was resembling a scared cat watching her angry look.

"How dare you call Mustafa, Murat ?"

"Kyu ? Humare baat karne mein kya burayi hai ?"

(Why ? What's wrong with him calling me ?)

Before Murat could answer Mustafa interrupted, making her turn and glare at him for disturbing her.

"Aap bilkul chup rahein. I am talking with Murat."

(You keep quiet.)

"But-"

"I said no. Don't irritate me more than I already am, otherwise I'll shift back to dado's room."

"Fine."

Threatening Mustafa, she turned her face towards the phone screen finding Murat making funny faces. It was evident he was laughing or was trying to control his laugh loudly too scared to face the wrath of his best friend who had transformed into a complete hitler in pregnancy.

"Stop laughing MURAT ABRAR CHOWDHURY!! Otherwise I swear I'll come to Mumbai and beat you till you turn black and blue."

"S-sorry dove."

It was now Mustafa's turn to laugh silently and much to his luck he never got scolded, as for now his wife's attention was solely focused towards Murat who immediately straightened himself up and apologised hearing her strict voice.

And for once in his life Mir Mustafa Ahwaan was glad that someone else was getting the attention of his wife.

"You better be."

"Now tell me why the hell it took you a whole one month to call me ? Oh sorry.... Aapne to mujhe call kiya hi nahi. Aapne to Mustafa to call kiya hai. I guess I am replaced by him."

(You didn't called me. You called Mustafa.)

Her expressions changed to that of a emotional look and till the time she finished she chuckled sadly to adding more effects to her miserable condition.

"WHAT!!! Aisa kuch nahi hai. You're taking it all wrong. I dialled your number but it was out of network, so I video called him."

(It's nothing like that.)

Murat immediately shook his head, defending himself, eying Mustafa asking him to speak from his side which he tried but his tongue got zipped when Maria glared at him.

It was then he decided to leave Murat alone and side with his wife who was a dangerous pregnant woman.

"Oh so you want to say that you weren't able to call me from past one month because my phone was out of network the whole time....Stop making pathetic excuses Murat and just admit that you have forgotten me."

Her voice got loud when she stopped whole together only to start again after a break when tears leaked out of her eyes with Murat's betrayal. Her emotions were already at haywire and now because of her stupid best friend she was feeling too sad, too hurt.

"Don't cry dove. I am so sorry. I haven't forgotten you, I swear. I call him every week to ask about you and the kids-"

Murat panicked seeing Maria cry and started cajoling her when he heard her crying more loudly, clutching Mustafa's collars who had his eyes widened with worry seeing her cry so much.

"Dekha ? Maine kaha tha na ye mujhe bhool gaya hai. He has the time to call you, but not me. I swear I'll not talk with him ever."

Leaving Mustafa's phone on the table she hugged him tightly staining her shirt with tears whereas he was rubbing her back helplessly, glaring at Murat who had his hands joined, pleading him to make her listen to him.

Few seconds later Maria detached herself from his arms and walked towards the table to pick up his phone handling it to him, glaring at Murat who was apologising non-stop.

"Here take this stupid phone of yours and enjoy talking with stupid him."

"NO.... Stop!!! Dove-"

"Maria-"

Both of them tried to stop her when she again snatched the phone from Mustafa's hand to hanging up on Murat and then turned towards her husband who was silently watching her glare at him feeling scared of her verdict directed towards him.

"Allah Hafiz Murat."

"Aur aap mujhse baat na hi karein to behtar hoga."

(And it's better of you don't talk with me.)

Turning haughty she was about to leave the room when Mustafa held her hand asking her about his fault in the whole fiasco.

"WHAT!!! Par Maine kya kiya ?"

(But what did I do ?)

"You stole my best friend. Chor kahi ke."

(Thief.)

Pulling her hand out his hold, she Jabbed his chest accusing him of stealing her best friend leaving him shocked behind with her accusations.

Few seconds later he came out of his shocked state and fell on the bed thinking ways to cajole his angry wife.

Or maybe he already had the idea.

•

"Care to share my Nutella with me."

At night Maria had snucked inside the kitchen to ravish the jar of happiness when she saw Osama standing at the threshold of kitchen grinning, eying her nutella making her tighten her hold, getting possesive.

"Nope. Not at all."

"Come on. Don't get too hard on your best friend-"

Piching her cheeks Osama whined pleading her to share for the sake of their friendship which he only remembered at special occasions.

"Best friend ?"

"Of course did you forgot our pact years ago. Bhool gayi wo kasmein, wo wadein....."

Grinning Osama scooted closer to her singing the last two words in a horrible voice making Maria roll her eyes at him.

Nadeeda...

(Voracious.)

"Haaye Osama.... You're making me emotional."

Except for the fact you are dramatic as always.

She played along, knowing he'll throw a fit like a kid if she insults him directly.

"Meri pyaari moto emotional baad mein hona pehle mujhe Nutella de do isse pehle tum ise pura chat kar jaao."

(My dear fatty get emotional later but now please share this jar of Nutella with me before you gobble it up.)

Pinching her chubby cheeks Osama exclaimed watching her shaking her head negatively denying his statement of her being 'fat'.

"Main moti nahi hoon. Okay ? Zyada bakwaas karne ki zaroorat nahi hai Osama."

(I am not fat. Stop speaking rubbish Osama.)

"Sach hamesha kadwa hota hai moto. And it's true that you are getting fat. Very fat."

(The truth is always bitter fatty.)

Laughing Osama rolled down on the floor and continued to make fun of Maria who was boiling in anger.

"I am not."

"You are."

"I am not. Aur maine ab tumhara muh tod dena hai agar tumne mujhe dobara mota kaha to."

(And I'll break your face your face if you call me fatty again.)

"Oh really. Let me prove it.... Hassan bhaai!! Idhar aaiye zara."

(Come here.)

Raising eyebrows he stood up dusting off dirt from his pants and called Hassan who was just passing by.

"Kya hua ? Are you fine ?"

(What happened ?)

Hassan immediately walked towards them watching Maria's serious expressions, asking her about her health when Osama interrupted, taking him off guard with his sudden question.

"Bhaai sach sach batayein ye bahut moti lag rahi hai na ?"

"Osama!!! How can you speak to her like that ?"

As a big brother he scolded Osama watching Maria pout angrily at him. He knew she was bothered by Osama's question and that's why he decided to put some sense into him.

"Wo sab chodein bhaai pehle meri baat ka jawab dein."

(Leave that and answer me.)

"Yes, tell him I am not fat."

This time he heard Maria who was watching him hopefully, her eyes eying him hopefully to take her side.

"Ummm.... She is h-healthy... Yes, she is healthy but not fat."

He stuttered while answering which made Osama grin widely and tease Maria again calling her moto.

"Healthy aka fat...... Moto."

"Stop it Osama. She is bound to gain weight in pregnancy. Especially when she is carrying twins."

"Haan haan aap bhi sab ki tarah isi ki side le lein bhaai, bas mere Nutella ko meri side rehne dein."

(Yes, you too just like others are taking her side. It's fine if you want to take her side but let my Nutella be on my side.)

Pouting Osama whined,and gave gooey eyes to the jar of Nutella in Maria's hands who immediately concealed it, giving Osama a nasty look for eying her nutella.

"Uspe apni gandi nazar mat daalna Osama. It's mine. Mustafa laaye the ye mere liye."

(Don't eye my Nutella with your sinful gaze. Mustafa brought it for me.)

"Jhoothi!! You finished that one a week ago. This one is mine."

(Liar.)

Osama on the other hand was certain that the jar was his as he took steps towards Maria to pull it towards him.

"NO!! It's mine."

"Help me Hassan."

And that's how the tug of war started between the two. The jar was about to slip from Maria's hands, when she called for Hassan's help who at once snached the jar the jar from Osama and handed it to her who kissed the jar, and hugged it tightly with dear life after thanking Hassan.

"She always does that. Meri har cheez pe iski cheel jaisi nazar rehti hai aaj kal."

(She has her hawk eyes set upon my things these days.)

Giving a stinky eye to Maria, Osama groaned complaining everything to Hassan, feeling unfair on his part to hand over his things to the little thief who blamed the twins for everything.

"Main jaan bhoojh ke nahi karti ye sab. It's all their fault."

(I don't do anything deliberately.)

"Mere masoom bhaitje ya bhatiji pe ilzaam daalne ki zaroorat nahi hai. I know the culprit is you not them."

(Don't blame my innocent neice or nephew in this.)

Pouting cutely she pointed towards her abdomen earning a chuckle from Hassan and scoff from Osama who held her same finger, pointing it towards her, scolding her when he got smacked by Hassan on the head, watching Maria ready to cry.

"Shut up Osama. See she is close to crying."

"Exactly!!! Tell him to shut up Hassan otherwise....."

Getting up from the couch Maria instantly smiled at Hassan as she kept hands over her waist warning Osama to shut up.

"Otherwise..."

"Warna main tumhara qatl kar dungi Osama."

(Otherwise I'll kill you.)

To add to the effect of her seriousness she tried immitating Mustafa's expressions which failed miserably as Osama was nowhere getting intimidated by her and instead he smiled and pinched her nose which got her distracted as he snatched Nutella jar from her hands and ran away.

"Achaa!!! To ye dhamki tab dena jab tum mujhe pakad paao."

(Okay!!! Then threaten me only when you are able to catch me.)

"Ugghhh.... Osama ke bache ruk. Give my Nutella back!!"

Recovering from the shock Maria stood up angrily and screamed at Osama to sto, ready to run after him when Hassan held her tightly stopping her from running.

"Hassan leave me. Today I'll kill him with my bare hands."

"Relax!! Anger is not good for you. Agar tum chaho to main khud Osama ko tumhare paas le aaunga. Phir jitna chahe use utna maar lena. But for god's sake please relax for now."

He tried his best to cajole her and prayed for his brother to come. He knew well she was off his limits, angry or not and his Mustafa bhaai was the only one who could calm her.

"NO!! Leave me."

Scratching Hassan's hands she tried getting out of his hold, feeling extreme anger surge inside her. How dare Osama steal her Nutella and get away easily. No! She couldn't let it happen.

"Hassan!! Leave me. I'll kill.... Ahhh!!"

Hassan tried best to stop her but she wasn't ready to listen at all but then she stopped all together and screamed clutching her abdomen, panicking Hassan who left her, helping her to sit on the sofa.

"What happened ? Are you fine ?"

Patting her cheeks he tried gaining her attention but she was still, sitting like a statue, ignoring his words.

"Why aren't you saying something ? Ugghhh..... Bhaa-"

Pulling his hair in frustration, he decided to call Mustafa when Maria looked up and smiled whispering something which was unclear to him.

"They k-kicked...."

"What did you say ? I am not-"

He wasn't able to complete his sentence when Osama came rushing towards them, matching Hassan's horrified expressions, feeling sweat forming over his forehead.

"Kya hua Hassan bhaai ? I heard her scream..."

"Shut up Osama. Sab tumhari-"

Hassan glared at Osama who guiltily looked down, ready to cry feeling himself responsible for everything when Maria again spoke clearly this time, shocking both Osama and Hassan.

"My b-babies... They are kicking."

"What!!"

Osama squealed getting out of his shocked state and pleaded Maria to let him feel the twins who nodded enthusiastically forgetting about their fight and guided Osama's hands towards her abdomen where the twins were kicking.

"Can I feel them too ? Please."

It was the first time she felt their presence and was too happy about it. She was waiting for this day for so long.

"Oh my God..... It's so amazing."

Squeeling like a big child Osama grinned feeling little fluttery kicks of the twins. The feeling was so amazing. Out of the world.

Watching Osama, Hassan too asked Maria, feeling his voice struck in throat with nervousness when Maria smiled giving him permission to feel the twins.

"C-can I t-too....."

"Of course."

Just like Osama Hassan too felt the soft flutters. His eyes turned misty, feeling sad. But he was happy he was able to feel the twins. They filled the void of his heart of feeling his own child which he missed years ago.

And that was the time he felt an unknown connection with the babies. A connection of the heart.

"Hassan..."

Watching Hassan cry Maria squeezed his hand consoling him. She knew what he was feeling. She wished she could take his pain away but alas it wasn't possible.

"I just got overwhelmed. Thank you for letting me feel them."

Wiping his tears Hassan smiled at Maria who returned back his smile with the same zeal. And it was the time when Mustafa returned from the office and walked inside the living room with confident strides, rolled sleeves and messy hair which showed how hectic his day was.

He saw how Hassan's hand was on Maria's abdomen and how she was smiling sharing an eye contact with him. Jealousy flared inside his heart but he dismissed it as soon as he saw his little wife smiling when her eyes fell upon him.

"What is happening ? Why are you all surrounding her like bees ?"

Keeping his brief case on the side table, he walked towards the glass jar filling the glass with water, having a small smile plastered over his face.

"You won't believe bhaai what just happened now. Your twins made their presence felt for the first time and we three lucky people got the chance to feel them. Oh how awesome it was..."

Giggling Osama announced, flicking his hair feeling proud of getting the first chance to meet the twins.

"WHAT!!! Mujhe kyu nahi bulaya aur hato sab yaha se. Let me feel them too."

(Why didn't you called me and give me space.)

Hearing Osama he immediately rushed towards the sofa where his wife was sitting with a big smile, placing his hand over her abdomen and waited for the twins to make their presence know but nothing happened which immediately turned down his smile, feeling sad.

"It's seems like you are late bhaai. Anyways good luck next time."

Osama being a good brother patted his shoulder wishing him luck for the next time.

"Why did they stopped ? Apne baap ke liye thodi der ruk nahi sakte the ye dono ?"

(They should have waited for their father.)

Mustafa complained grumpily looking at Maria who shurgged her shoulders, watching him narrow his eyes at her for not consoling him.

"Don't blame them bhaai. Ab apne apna aura hi aisa bana rakha hai ke ache khaase insaan ko dar lag jaaye, to ye to phir bhi chote bache hai."

(Your aura is so dangerous that normal men get scared and they are only small kids, so it's pretty understandable.)

Patting his back, Osama defended the twins gathering every ounce of courage to speak in front of his intimidating brother making Maria and Hassan chuckle at Mustafa who got annoyed with his statement.

"Apni zubaan ko lagaam laga lo Osama isse pehle ki main tumhe darne ki ek bahut achi wajah de doon."

(Give a break to your tongue before I give you a good reason to get scared of me.)

Giving a hard look to Osama, he squeezed his nape making Osama shiver in fear.

"Shuru ho gayi dhamkiyaan inki.... Dhmakaane aur dost chori karne ke alawa koi kaam nahi aata inko."

(He started his work of threatening everybody. He doesn't know anything except threatening and stealing other's friends.)

Watching both brother's Maria mumbled and retreating Mustafa's hands from Osama's back who gave her a big smile, passing the jar of Nutella thankful to her from saving her from the devil. Watching the drama getting over Hassan excused himself and retired to his room, leaving Maria, along with Mustafa and Osama.

It was then Mustafa turned towards Maria and glared at her which she was least bothered about, happy about getting her Nutella back and was eating it with Osama, having the time of her life.

"I heard it."

"So what ? I am not scared of you."

"Leave it and let's go."

Holding her hand, he pulled her up to which she shook her head not ready to leave her Nutella at all.

"Where ?"

"To our room."

"No. I don't want to."

"Chalo."

Seeing her protest Mustafa lean down to pick her up, resulting both Maria and Osama squeal at the same time.

"Haaaw!!! Apne is chote bhaai ka to lihaaz kar lein bhaai. Mana ki she is your wife par phir bhi apko aise-"

(At least have some shame in front of your little brother. I get it she is your wife but still )

"Apna ye kooda dimaag band rakho Osama. I am taking her to our room to rest. It's her sleeping time."

(Stop running your trash like brain Osama.)

With that he was quick to twist Osama's ear and watch him wince in pain, ready to apologise with his hands folded in the front.

"Ouch!! So sorry bhaai....Rest karwa liye rest apni begum ko. Jo karna hai kariye bas mujhe baksh dein."

(Go take your wife for rest. Do whatever you want to but please spare me.)

"I am leaving you for now. Don't open this smart mouth of yours next time."

Leaving his ear, he squeezed his little brother's shoulder warning him, who was quick to nod, agreeing with him; for now.

"Ji bhaai."

"Dafa ho jaao ab."

(Get lost now.)

Seeing Osama going out of his sight with lightening speed Mustafa pulled Maria's in his arms and walked towards their temporary room, ignoring the frown marring her face.