It wasn't just Pooja, even after the newspaper apologized the gossip didn't stop. For the first time, Anaya found herself running away from the media. Before she used to be anonymous but after that night her life completely changed. The paparazzi also hounded Maaz, but he was calm and stuck to his statement that there was nothing between them and that they were professional. But the gossip magazine refused to believe them.

'For how long this will continue.' Anaya was frustrated.

'Give them a week, they will get another gossip soon.' Maaz replied casually.

As the gossip fueled, the pressure from Hussains also increased. Maaz's elder sister Mehnaz, her husband, Atif and their five-year-old daughter, Alia came from the US. Atif was against this marriage and suggested they pay some compensation instead,

'This is the only way to shut their bloody mouths.' Atif said slamming his fist on the armrest of the sofa. Zainab agreed. Rashid wanted to interrupt but kept silent as Atif was his son-in-law but Mehnaz doesn't.

'Please, Atif. That is not a way to speak about them.' She said softly. Atif looked angrily at her.

'They are gold diggers, Mehnaz. Don't sympathize with them.' He said. Mehnaz pressed her lips tightly and fell against the sofa.

Much to Atif and Zainab's displeasure, Rashid stuck to the marriage proposal. Mehnaz was excited. She hasn't seen her to be sister-in-law. She was happy when Rashid complimented Anaya's talent and nature.

▪⎯⎯⎯∞⎯⎯⎯▪

A week later,

Anaya had trouble walking with heels and saree. She had worn traditional wear before but never a saree. The saree was simple pastel pink with a floral sea-blue blouse. Mrs. Hussain stood in front of her and smiled holding her cheek.

'My daughter is looking so beautiful.' She complimented and kissed her forehead. She frowned noticing the traditional golden hoop earring was loose. Quickly, she adjusted it.

'Lovely.' She sighed and moved her hands back. Anaya doesn't protest when she placed the Pallu of the Saree on her head. Anaya closed her eyes and when she opened them, she noticed a veil covering half her face. Mrs. Hussain held her arm and pulled her closer. Anaya stumbled to her side.

'Listen. Your father has said this strictly. You are married now. But remember, this is only temporary. Sheeraz will be your permanent husband.' – Anaya looked stunned, - 'After the divorce, we will convince him. But don't think about that for now. Listen,' – She lowered her tone, - 'All this is temporary. Don't ever get carried away, okay. Maaz is only temporary, not your real husband. So, don't cross the line. You know what I mean, right?' She looked sternly at Anaya.

She flinched and her ears turned red. Because of the dizzy thoughts, she didn't know how to react and before she could respond, Mr. Hussain arrived. He asked them to stop wasting time. Then, Mrs. Hussain began forcing Anaya to walk with her. She rolled her eyes. Many times, she stumbled and got scolded by her mother.

But the biggest surprise was Azlaan, who was a puddle of tears.

'Aww.' Anaya side-hugged him.

'Don't Aww me.' Azlaan said in between his sobs. Anaya hugged him tighter. Mr. Hussain interrupted the happy moment between the brother and sister. Then, Mr. Hussain began shoving Anaya inside the car.

Maaz was already seated inside the car. He had the windowpane down. He felt Anaya sit beside him and sighed in relief.

'Thank God, you came. I was evaporating here.' Maaz fanned his face with his hand, his face flushed. Anaya rolled her eyes and closed the door. He pushed aside the collar of his maroon Shervani. The first time, he was dressed so much.

Sam sat in the driver's seat. Anaya rolled down the windowpane and looked at Azlaan. Mrs. Hussain expected Anaya to hold her and start crying but she doesn't. She was more interested in her brother. Maaz kept whining in the background as the brother-sister held hands. Anaya wasn't crying, perhaps because she knew all this was temporary, but Azlaan was crying his eye-out. Probably, he didn't know about the arrangement.

'Are you done?' – Maaz interrupted rudely. Anaya bit her lip and retracted her hand.

Azlaan was hesitant, Mr. Hussain interrupted him and separated their hands. He looked angrily at him, but Mr. Hussain doesn't bother. Anaya was annoyed but doesn't say anything.

Sam asked if he should start and before Anaya could reply, Maaz answered, - 'Yes please.'

As the car sped away, she turned around and looked at Azlaan. He waved at her and she waved back, then she pressed her palm against the windowpane and watched her brother figure disappear. After they had taken a turn, Anaya moved back, resting her back against the car seat. Tears fell and her lower lip trembled as she tried not to cry. Giving up, she covered her mouth with her palm and let out a muffled sob. Maaz looked at her from the corner of his eyes and then quickly, looked away. Some moments later, she inhaled deeply and wiped her tears with her palm. She felt lucky as the veil covered her face. But Maaz had realized she was crying and simply sat awkwardly.

▪⎯⎯⎯∞⎯⎯⎯▪

This was the first time; Anaya will be seeing Ali's Mansion. She felt excited as she looked from under her veil. The main-gate was huge. There were two security guards who opened the gate. The car drove through the well-paved pavement and Anaya was awestruck. She gaped around. Maaz felt proud when he looked Anaya looking around so intently.

As expected, Zainab wasn't there to welcome them. Rashid, Mehnaz, Alia, and Rukhsar stood at the main door. Maaz was surprised to see Rukhsar here, she kept grinning at him. He held his forehead realizing Mehnaz must have told her. He should make his sister keep quiet else the whole Paris will know.

'Hi, Anaya.' Mehnaz greeted Anaya and warmly hugged her. Anaya also placed her arm tightly around her and then the two quickly parted. The little girl Alia was excited to hug the bride, but she frowned and pouted when Rukhsar hugged Anaya instead. She frowned harder when after that, Mehnaz welcomed Anaya inside.

'What happened?' Maaz asked ruffling Alia's hair. She looked up and folded her arms.

'I wanted to hug Mami too.' She said in a grumpy tone. He smiled and bend. Alia smiled as he picked her up in his arms.

'No problem. Now, your Mami will be staying here with us. You can hug her anytime.' Maaz said.

'Really.' She said cheerily. Maaz nodded and Alia happily hugged him.

Zainab wasn't seen anywhere. The girls helped Anaya climb the stairs. As they climbed, Mehnaz stopped and lifted Anaya's veil.

'Better. This way you will be able to see where you are going.' She smiled at her. Anaya smiled back and nodded her head. Rukhsar smiled too. Mehnaz placed her palm under Anaya's chin and raised her face a little.

'You are very beautiful.' She complimented her. Once again, Anaya smiled looking away. Mehnaz moved her arm around her and helped her climb the stairs.