Anaya got desperate and even called Sheeraz to convince him to marry her. At first, he didn't respond and finally when he did, he doesn't let her speak and keeps scolding her. The limit was when he began abusing her, calling her names. She was shocked to know about Maaz's statement to the media. Frustrated and confused, she had to cut the call. Anaya also spoke to her parents, but they rebuked her and didn't believe her. Exasperated, she also dug out Rashid's number to speak to him but no luck, Zainab had picked up the call and reprimanded her badly.

The next day, Anaya confronted Maaz and criticized him for his careless statement.

'Listen, Anamika. Don't you dare talk to me in this tone.' He warned her and in response, Anaya rolled her eyes.

'Sir, I am trying my best to avert the wedding. You do something too, please. Something sensible.' She pleaded Maaz. He was adamant that he won't bow down in front of anyone. And more than that he was offended because Anaya was desperate to not marry him.

Then, to their horror, a local newspaper printed an article about them with a couple of photos of the two outside the building and then getting inside, together.

Anaya felt annoyed, again she confronted Maaz about this. He simply shrugged and said, - 'Dad has gotten that reporter fired.'

'But—the damage is already done. People are talking, even in the hotel.' Anaya nearly screamed but somehow managed to keep her tone under control.

'Mind your tone, Miss. Hasan. That is also taken care of. Dad has asked the newspaper to publish an apology.' He said coolly. Anaya wasn't satisfied but at least it will be some relief.

After the article, Anaya mostly stayed in her cabin. In case, she went out, then the looks that people gave her were too hard for her. The cherry on top was Pooja. Already her face irritated her and now her winks became more irritating.

'I didn't know you caught the big fish.' She teased Anaya. She got irritated and wished she could just kick her out of her cabin.

'Shut up, Pooja. There is nothing like that. It is false news.'

'News could be false but the pictures? Maaz sir was seen getting into your building with you. Then, coming out, disheveled, the next morning.' Pooja nudged her arm. Anaya clicked her tongue in agitation.

Another annoying thing that happened was the Hussains had begun pressuring more. On top of that Maaz kept pestering Anaya to do something. What could she do? Also, her parents were being very, very adamant.

One night, Anaya decided to stay at her parent's place. Hesitantly, she decided to talk to her mother. She entered the kitchen and found her cooking dinner. She cleared her throat and her mother looked at her, flashing a smile. Her smiled encouraged Anaya.

'Ma,' – She pushed behind her hair strand and stood next to her mother, - 'There is something I want to talk to you.' She said tapping the kitchen slab with her index finger. Mrs. Hussain rolled her eyes.

'Look if it is about Maaz, then forget it. You are getting married to him whether you like it or not.' She said sternly.

'But I don't like him. I can't stand him. How will I live with him, forever?' She almost cried. Mrs. Hussain looked at her and smiled sweetly.

'Who is saying you to live with him forever,' – Anaya looked stunned and confused, - 'Arey, beta. Your dad has thought of everything. Once we get you get married to him, stay for like few months or a year, if you wish then you divorce him. Then, you will get the alimony. We have asked for a huge amount as Mehr.' Mr. Hussain spoke with a mad glint in her eyes. Anaya's mouth dropped open.

She took a moment to compose herself, cleared her throat and then asked, - 'Ma? Seriously? And on what reason will I seek for a divorce?'

Mrs. Hussain laughed- 'Don't worry. We can easily accuse him of domestic abuse or—or adultery. Or best, you anger him so, so much that he divorces you.' She said shamelessly. Anaya's eyes widened and she sighed while staring at her mother in disbelief. She can't believe what her parents were plotting.

She took a moment then said, - 'Oh, so that is why you two are being so desperate for the marriage,' – She folded her arms, - 'I can't believe my parents are such gold diggers.' She taunted.

Mrs. Hussain scoffed, - 'We are doing all this for you.' She said.

'No, thank you.'- Anaya joined her palms sarcastically, - 'I am not going to do any such thing.' She said.

'Okay, then stay with him forever.' Mrs. Hussain shrugged. Anaya sighed dropping her arms.

▪⎯⎯⎯∞⎯⎯⎯▪

Rashid sat in the garden area, having coffee. Then, he heard someone clear their throat and found Maaz standing next to him.

'Yes?' He asked. Maaz nodded and sat beside him. Rashid placed the mug on the small table in front and turned to look at his son.

'Dad,' – Maaz shifted in his place, - 'I have decided that I will marry her but on one condition,' – He paused, Rashid raised his eye-brow, - 'That no one at work or anywhere in Paris or the world should know about this.' He said seriously. Rashid took a moment and then nodded.

'I will inform just Rashda Appa and Mehnaz's family.' – He paused and added, - 'and I will make sure they don't leak this. Okay? - He looked intently at his son and a moment later Maaz gave a thoughtful nod. Rashid looked away and sighed.

Then as an afterthought, he added, - 'But you will have to let people know someday.' He reasoned. Maaz smiled.

'We will announce it when we are comfortable.' He said. Rashid agreed and Maaz smirked to himself. Then, he bid his father good-bye.

Maaz stood up and as he turned, he found his mother looking angrily at him. Realizing she heard them, he tried avoiding her while walking past her. She held his arm and tugged his hand. Without protesting, Maaz followed her inside the house.

'What was that? Here I am so excited to get you married to Rukhsar and you want to marry that bloody gold digger?' She spoke angrily.

Maaz rolled her eyes, - 'Chill, Mom. Chill. Who is saying that I am going to stay married to that woman forever? That is why I asked Dad to keep everything under-wrap. So, that when I divorce her no one will know anything.' He explained calmly.

'Really?'

'Really.' He pinched his throat. The mother-son smiled at each other. Then, Maaz recollected his mother's words and frowned.

'Wait a minute, what were you getting excited about? Me and Rukhsar?' – Zainab nodded, - 'Are you out of your mind, mother.' Maaz sounded irritated. Zainab tried reasoning with him, but he denied firmly, stating that he and Rukhsar were more like brother and sister than friends and he had never looked at her in any other way.

'Mom, it will be beyond creepy.' He ended his monologue. Zainab pressed her lips and rolled her eyes in agitation.

Deciding to let the matter for some other day, she agreed, - 'Fine.' She huffed. Maaz was happy when he walked away but he didn't know his mother's determination to get him married to Rukhsar hadn't wavered.