Sheeraz's entire day was crappy. He wasn't liking here but had agreed to come to Paris only for Anaya. Mr. Hussain, had gotten this job for him and he was grateful but also, he wanted his internship to end soon so he could marry Anaya. He would blush every time he thought of marrying her. His smile faded when someone slammed their palm on his table. He nearly fell but managed to grab the arm-rest in time. Startled and confused, he looked up and found a pretty woman glaring at him. He blinked at her for a moment and then realized she was his boss. Oh, Shit! He forgot her name.

'What are you doing, Mr. Alam? You are daydreaming in a meeting?' She scolded. Sheeraz gulped hard and looked around. He was sitting amongst other interns and the boss was lecturing them. He looked at the projection screen and blinked a couple of times.

'Mr. Alam.' Rukhsar tapped on his table with her knuckles. He looked at her and nodded in a daze. Rukhsar pressed her lips tightly in anger and walked towards the screen. Sheeraz shifted in his seat and looked around red-faced.

One more thing, Sheeraz hated was the boss lady. He wasn't used to being bossed around by women. And this woman was very bossy. He didn't know how he will tolerate her. He moved his hand and held his forehead.

Sheeraz was a happy man when the meeting was dispersed. Rukhsar watched him as he seemed excited. Happily, he placed the sling of his bag on his shoulder and was about to go when she called him. Sheeraz frowned stopping in his track and looked at her. Rukhsar was eyeing him with her arms folded. She gestured with her hand – I am watching you. He nodded and walked out.

Sheeraz was irritated by the time he got into a cab. The only good thing was listening to Anaya's voice when he had called her after Lunch, though she had only said, - I am busy right now, I will talk to you later.

He sighed dreamily and took out his phone from the top right pocket of the shirt. He glanced at the cab driver and decided to call her after he reached home.

At home, Sheeraz was fed stomach full by Mrs. Hussain. He groaned as he walked into his room. Massaging his stomach, he walked towards the window. He opened it and moved half his body. He burped loudly, then he felt shy and chuckled retracting inside. An amused smile lingered on his face as he closed the door.

▪⎯⎯⎯∞⎯⎯⎯▪

Anaya sighed finishing her plate of pasta. She picked up her dirty plate and walked into the kitchen. Quickly, she washed her plate and dried it, then she placed it on the rack of plates.

After she had boiled milk and settled in her bed, she picked up the novel she had been reading, - Frankenstein.

She was engrossed in reading until her phone rang. She gulped the last sip of milk and placed her mug on the bedside table and placed a bookmark into the book. Placing the book on her lap, she leaned and picked up her phone.

She groaned, rolling her eyes as she looked at Sheeraz's name flash on the screen. Hesitantly, she picked up the phone.

: Hey, Anaya

She looked up, making face as she heard him giggle. He was speaking in a soft shy tone and it made her cringe.

: What were you doing?

Oh, God! Why is he calling me so much? We aren't even engaged yet. And why the hell is he blushing so much. Yuck!

I was preparing to sleep (pause) what are you doing?

She cringed making a face when she heard him sigh dreamily from the other side.

: Thinking about you

So cheesy! Please stop talking

Anaya doesn't reply, and he went on, - 'My whole day was just irritating. You know, my new boss is a woman and she is so, so, bossy. I hate her. But—I really liked the dress she wore—and-and—I hope you will--also—wear a skirt for me after marriage. But in private.' He chuckled shyly. Anaya's eyes widened.

Sheeraz sighed, - 'Someday, I will check on you in the hotel. I hope you aren't wearing skirts or short dresses.' He said sternly.

Anaya slapped her forehead.

As Sheeraz kept talking Anaya felt sleepy and she didn't realize when she fell asleep. One hour later, Sheeraz realized this. He smiled to himself and cut the call. Dropping the phone next to him, he lay on the bed and moved his arm behind his head and rested the other hand on his stomach and sighed. He smiled staring at the cream-painted ceiling and slowly closed his eyes. Soon he was fast asleep.

▪⎯⎯⎯∞⎯⎯⎯▪

Maaz was sound asleep in his comfortable round bed. A bright smile on his face as he dreamt of becoming a successful model and he was about to make the transition from modeling to films when he felt the world shake violently. Alarmed he woke up and sat on the bed. He heard soft cries and turned his head.

'Mom?' He called uncertainly. He was confused and dazed, wondering if he was still dreaming. His mother was standing next to him, her face buried into her palms and her figure shaking. Maaz threw the duvet off him and climbed down.

'Mom?' He called again. She looked at him, let out a small cry and hugged him. Maaz took a moment before hugging her back. Gently, he caressed her back.

Maaz quickly wore his Tee over his head as he made his way towards his parent's room. His mother followed him closely. She wasn't crying now but she looked worried. Maaz's heart was palpitating badly. With their hearts in their mouths, the two walked into the room and found Rashid lying on the bed and an Anglo-Indian doctor examining him. Dr. Harris, their family doctor. Maaz gulped a tight lump as he stood next to the doctor. The doctor checked Rashid's pulse while he lay with his eyes slightly open. He blinked and Maaz felt relieved.

'What happened to Dad?' Maaz asked. Dr. Harris looked up and smiled. His smile gave him positive vibes.

'Now everything is under control. Your father had a severe attack of Asthma-' Dr. Harris was then interrupted by Mrs. Ali.

'See, Rashid. Million times I have told you not to jog so much,' – She looked at Dr. Harris, - 'You tell him. He doesn't listen to me. God knows what he thinks of himself. As though he is a—a teenager.'

Rashid smiled shaking his head while Dr. Harris looked confused. Maaz rolled his eyes.

'Mom, please, not now.' He spoke, irritated.

After everything was settled, Mrs. Ali was sent to get breakfast for her husband while Maaz stayed with his father. Rashid liked his gesture. Maaz sat by him and made sure he took his medicines.

'No need to tell Mehnaz about this.' Rashid said softly. Maaz nodded and clenched his father's palm in a tight grip. The two men remained silent as Rashid began reading the newspaper while Maaz got busy with his mobile.

Soon, Zainab came followed by a maid who carried a tray filled with food. Since he wasn't well she opted for simple sandwiches and a glass of lemon juice.

'Rashid.' She called softly. Rashid moved the newspaper and smiled seeing food. He unfolded the paper and sat straight on the bed. Maaz helped him lean back. After he was settled, Maaz got involved in mobile again.

'Thank God, you got breakfast. I am getting late for work.' He said picking up a sandwich. Zainab pressed her lips tightly and sat at his feet. She glared at him but oblivious to her glare Rashid got busy munching on the delicious sandwich.

'You are not going to work.' She said simply. Rashid paused and gaped mouthful at her. Zainab looked determined. Then, he swallowed and frowned. He leaned a little.

'What are you saying? If I don't go then how will my business run?' He asked seriously. Zainab tilted her head little and smiled. She gestured with her eyes towards Maaz. Rashid looked at him and frowned harder.

'He?' – He pointed at him while Maaz as busy with his phone, - 'Are you cuckoo?' He gestured with his finger. Zainab nodded positively. Rashid shook his head.

'No, I am not interested in destroying my business.' He said waving his hand. Zainab rolled her eyes.

'Maaz will be perfect. He has seen how the hotel works. Now it is the time.' Zainab said seriously. Now, Maaz looked up from his mobile. He hadn't heard the whole conversation and so, he looked confusedly from his father to his mother.