Anaya almost got lost in the sub as she hadn't taken Ali mansion's route before. Finally, she took a cab. The security stopped them at the gate as they weren't sure who she was. She had to explain to them about her being the daughter-in-law of the Alis. A few minutes of explaining, they understood, finally, and let the cab pass inside. As Anaya got down, she noticed the cab driver smirked at her and had a weird look on his face. She shook her head irritably and handed him cash.

Anaya leaped and quickly climbed the stairs. She hurried inside the mansion and almost dashed into someone. The coffee from the mug the woman held spilled on her sleeve.

'Oh!'

'Oh My God!'- Mehnaz looked surprised, - 'I am sorry, Anaya.' She apologized. Anaya simply nodded nervously and urgently. Mehnaz observed her and placed a palm softly on her shoulder.

'What is the matter? You are looking tensed.' – Anaya just shook her head, Mehnaz smiled and continued, - 'I think I know what might be bothering you.' – she paused, - 'Today is your Muh-Dikhayi function and—Rashda Phoupi is coming from the US. Mom gets a little tense in her presence. She is Dad's elder sister and little—strict. Don't worry, Maaz is her favorite and you will be too,' – she gave out a peal of small laughter, - 'Now go. Mom was asking for you for a long time.' Mehnaz urged Anaya giving a tug with her hand on her shoulder. She nodded and took her to leave.

As Anaya walked through the corridor leading up to her mothers-in-law room, she could hear faint muttering. As she got closer, she heard laughter. Anaya stopped at the door. Along with Zainab, there was a young woman. She was slim and had ear-length hair. Zainab looked at Anaya and her smile faded. The beautiful woman turned her head and her smile broadened. She got up and hugged Anaya. She was surprised by the warm gesture but hugged her, nevertheless.

'Hi, I am Rukhsar. Maaz's childhood friend.' Rukhsar introduced herself. Anaya nodded and the two women shook hands. Zainab twisted her lips and got up. She stood in front of Anaya and touched her hair. She made faces as she ran her fingers through the length of hair and rested over her loose curls.

'What a mess.' She commented moving her hands from the curls. Anaya felt embarrassed but Rukhsar jumped in for the rescue.

'No problem, Aunty. I will take her to the parlour, and we will fix everything.' She assured her. Anaya looked gratefully at her. Rukhsar smiled back.

Before leaving the room for supervising other things, Zainab asked Anaya to choose and pick whatever fancies her from the bunch of ethnic wears placed on the bed. But she stopped at the entrance, turned around holding the door hitch and taunted her about not being able to afford such pricy and elegant clothes. Anaya bit her lip. Once again, Rukhsar stepped in and lifted her mood by distracting her.

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Maaz didn't want to come home. At work when he found out Anaya had left home early, he got irritated. He thought she left because of him. The rest of the time at work he couldn't concentrate and so he left. He joined his friends Alex, Norman, Hrithik, Imran, and Gautam. The friends hung out at a bar sipping drinks and talking their hearts out. Maaz felt the pressure of work and his anger melt. As he enjoyed his time with his friends, his phone rang multiple times. It was either his mom, Mehnaz or Rukhsar. He ignored them all. But he stopped everything when his dad called.

Maaz made an excuse and ran out of the bar to pick up the call. As soon as he answered the call, Rashid exploded in rage and began blasting him, demanding him to come home.

'And yeah, and wear something decent. There is a function here. Don't worry it is a very private event.' He said and without waiting for an answer, cut the phone. Maaz blinked at the screen wondering what was that? He sighed shoving the phone into his pocket.

Maaz came home and found decorators running around and egging them on was a young haphazard-looking woman in a pantsuit. He thought she must be the event planner. He shook his head and turned to leave when a little girl hugged his waist.

'Alia.' Maaz smiled and kneeled in front of her. He held her arms and asked what she was up to.

She giggled and said, - 'there is a party,' – she had the accent, - 'I am very excited, Mama.'

Even though Maaz was the least bit interested he agreed with her. Then, Alia went on to narrate how her cousins will be coming and how she is going to dress up. He listened to her intently. She was so cute; his niece. Maaz was very attached to her, other than her he disliked kids. They annoy him. As the uncle-niece duo spoke Mehnaz interrupted them and apologized.

'No problem, Appi.' Maaz said with a smile. Talking with Alia was a stress buster. Alia was disappointed but he assured her that he will give her company later. Then he straightened and looked around. Mehnaz grinned as she watched him. She cleared her throat and he looked at her,

- 'The someone you are looking for is not at home,' – Maaz frowned, Mehnaz held Alia's shoulder tightly and leaned closer, - 'But there is a surprise waiting for you in Mom's room.' She then urged Alia to walk with her. Maaz was confused but he got curious to know what the surprise was.

As Maaz climbed the stairs he saw his mother fuming as she exited her room. He opened his mouth to ask what the matter was but she simply stormed downstairs. Now, he grew more curious. Slowly, he climbed the stairs and as he was about to enter the room a young girl dashed into him.

'Ahh!' Maaz winced.

'Sorry.' She apologized and they looked at each other. Realization upon them and they smiled.

'Hannah!'

'Maaz.'

Maaz leaned forward and the two hugged, - 'Long time.' He commented and they parted.

'Yeah!' She exclaimed. He looked at her.

'You have changed a lot.' He complimented and she smiled in response. Maaz admired how much his Tom-boy cousin and friend, Hannah Khan, had changed. Whenever she had come from the US she used to hang out with Maaz and his boy gang. Baggy top, hoodie, torn jeans or pajamas and pixie cut hair cut. But now, she had grown into a fine woman. Maaz noted how she had maintained her figure, slim lean figure. Her face was flawless. Playing with the boys her skin had tanned but now, she had de-tanned her complexion. Her pixie hair cut replaced with cascading waist-length straight hair. Her black hair had streaks of chestnut brown. And instead of baggy clothes, she wore fitting long-sleeved knee-length button-down Tee and black leggings with closed high heels.

'Where is Rukhsar?' – Hannah looked around, - 'since I have come, I wanted to meet my other childhood bestie.' She tugged strands of hair behind her ear and folded her arms. Maaz shrugged and answered,

- 'I guess at work. Nowadays she has become a workaholic zombie just like Dad.' He chuckled.

It has been more than five years since Maaz, and Hannah had met. Five years ago, Maaz's Uncle, Hamid, had passed away and since then Hannah and her mother hadn't come visiting them. This reminded Maaz of his darling and only Phoupi – Rashda. He excused himself and entered the room. A broad smile appeared on his face when he saw an elderly woman dressed in pastel block printed saree, her grey hair tied in a neat bun. She sat on the bed with a cup of tea and made faces while rejecting the dresses spread on the bed.

'Phoupo.' Maaz exclaimed. She looked up and her expressions changed. Her eyes twinkled and a wide smile spread on her face. Maaz walked towards her with his arms open. Rashda stood up and hugged her Nephew. He held her tight and they swayed a little on spot. Hannah entered the room, leaned against the hinge of the door and folded her arms. She smiled as she watched them.

After they parted, Maaz and Rashda began talking. Rashda complimented him. But when she congratulated him about his marriage, his smile faded.

'What happened, beta?' – She looked concerned and placed her palm on his shoulder, - 'aren't you happy with your wedding?' She asked. Hannah's smile disappeared as she straightened letting her arms down.

Maaz looked up at her. What can he tell her? Initially, he didn't want to get married to Anaya. Anyway, he had thought he would enjoy his marital life as long as it lasts. But his dreams came crashing on the first night when his wife rebuked him and still continues to insult him. Hannah watched him carefully, studying his expressions.

Maaz sighed deeply. He forced a smile, - 'Everything is fine, Phoupo. I am sure when you will meet her tonight, you will like her.' He said not meeting her gaze. Hannah nodded thoughtfully.