The next day Shazir was busy in his work as he came early this morning.

He was waiting for Konain to come so they can discuss something related to the project but he was more excited to see her because last night he called her Nain.

He called her by the nickname he gives her, but the first time saying it in front of her and not in the confide space of his office and room is amazing and splendid.

He wanted to see her because the smiling face of her told him that he was indeed making his way in her heart and he was happy for the progress.

He smiled as he again lost himself in her dreams, her smile, her gleaming eyes and her peaceful voice kept him awake all night.

"Kidhr reh gyi hai mohtarma... It's like my oxygen supply is limited,"

He pouted as he saw the wall clock but it's still a little bit over 9'o clock, maybe she was running late.

He sighed in defeat and turned toward the pile of work on his desk as he slumped on the files and whine like a child calling her.

"Come soon janaan... I am waiting and this work is killing me... I wanted to see you because without teasing you and seeing you roll your beautiful eyes behind those glasses at my cheesiness ...it's impossible to do work,"

He placed both elbows on the table and put his face on his palms as he pouted like a grumpy child but then he frowned.

"Why am I behaving like Lala? I am not a lovesick puppy... Or am I? Ughh!!! This girl will be the death of me... Abhi biwi nhi bani Tu yeh hal kardiya hai mera, if she became Mrs. Shazir khan then I will be the most famous henpecked of the khan family... Even bigger then Lala,"

He looked wide-eyed at the open space as he was astonished at his own words but then a charming smile made its way to his handsome face.

He smiled his dimply smile and nodded his head with a shine in his eyes.

"Haye!!! I am already planning my future with her... But I know one thing, I will be the happiest man on the earth and I will love to call henpecked... If she marries me, Haye mere choty choty sapne,"

He sighed dreamily and then slapped his forehead and motivate himself to work.

"Do some work Shazir... Otherwise Lala and his future sister in law... Haye Meri Nain... They both will kill me. Here I come my not so loving work,"

With that said he busies himself with work and waited for her but he didn't know that she was not going to come today or ever for that matter.

....

The whole day he was busy with work but his anxiety increased with time because she didn't come.

He wanted to go to her house and know what happened and why she didn't come to the office but he didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

He tried calling her but her phone was off, he thought that she might be busy and tried again and again but she was not picking his call.

He was going to her home but at the same time, his phone ring and he sighed as he saw his brother's name on the screen.

"Yes, Lala... Ok... Ji, I am coming,"

He was so much confused as to do what, Taimoor called him saying that Ibrahim and Manizeh were discharged. So he needed him to take them home.

He wanted to go and see Konain but his family needs him so he went to the hospital praying that she was ok and just busy.

"Allah miyan... Please keep her safe, she is my amanah to you. Please protect her and give her strength,"

He prayed to his LORD and drive to the hospital as his heart was clenching in his chest with worry.

....

Now his heart was ready to burst out of his chest with the anxiety and stress he was taking, it's been one week.

One week and she still didn't come to the office, nor she picked his or anyone else call. Shazir was going out of his mind.

He asked their secretory to call her home as he made the HR department drop the file with her information and then someone picks the call saying that she will never come to that office ever again.

He was happy that someone from her home answered the call as it was on speaker but the next words are like a knife to his heart.

He wanted to go to her house but stopped himself because he didn't want to make things more problematic for her.

They live in a conservative area and she has told him about her phupho and her attitude to her that made this blood boil.

He was sitting in his chair with his hair fisted in frustration, he was so close to crying.

"I am useless... Bloody loser,"

He felt so helpless and useless, not knowing about her wellbeing is killing him but thinking that she might be hurt was devastating.

Luckily for him, Taimoor came to the office as the manager called him saying that Shazir was not well and also Konain was not at the office for one week.

Taimoor gets worried so he quickly came to the office and dash toward his brother's cabin.

He opened the door and was shocked to see Shazir devastating condition, the dark bags under his eyes, his light unshaved beard that covered his sharp jaws, his messy hair, and desperate eyes.

Taimoor cursed himself for not noticing it before, he was busy with Ibrahim and Manizeh that he didn't think about Shazir changed behavior or condition.

He moved toward him and sat on his knees in front of Shazir, his little brother didn't notice him even when he was sitting before him calling his name.

"Shazir... Bacha,"

Taimoor shook his shoulder and Shazir looked at his brother with misty eyes as he in lightning speed hugged his brother.

"Lala... She... I... I don't... I don't know what to do... She is not...,"

"Shhh... I know... I am here... I will make this right... Relax bacha,"

He pulled away and ruffled Shazir hair making him looked at his elder brother with a heartbroken look that pierces his heart.

"Now tell me what happened that made my little brother into a cry baby,"

Shazir told him everything, how he dropped her at her home and since that day she didn't come, not she picked his calls and when they called her home then someone told that she will never come to the job again.

Taimoor was worried as he heard each word Shazir said and now he was also anxious about her safety.

He pulled Shazir to his foot as he turned his face toward him.

"Tell me one thing Shazir... I want nothing but your truth and I promise you that she will be safe and protected. Will you tell me Shazir?"

Shazir eyes shine with happiness as he heard his brother's words and nodded in enthusiasm.

"What do you want to know Lala?"

"Do you like her? As really like her Shazir or this is just an affiliation, again I need the truth from you before doing anything,"

Shazir looked at his brother with eyes shining like they have a fire in them, the fire to protect her, comfort her, and be with her.

He smiled at his Lala, the blinding smile on Shazir face was shocking for Taimoor as he was getting angry at his non-serious behavior at something so important.

Taimoor was going to scold him but the next words of Shazir Faiz Khan were ground shaking for him.

"I don't like her...,"

"What are you saying Shazir? Is this all a drama for you? Are you...,"

"I love her...,"

Taimoor looked beyond shocked, he looked kind of funny with his agape mouth and wide eyes.

But Shazir was not going to make fun of him as he was finally coming to terms with his heart.

"I don't just like her Lala... I have fallen in love with her. She has become the air, I breathe, the reason for my smile, the peace of my life, and most important a piece of my heart... And I will do anything to protect her Lala... Anything, even I have to die for her... I will,"

Taimoor was still shocked, the intensity of the words and the determination in Shazir eyes matches his own, when he was mad for his fairy and he knew, his little brother was telling the truth.

A small smile came to his lips as Shazir smiled at him and Taimoor nodded his head.

"Well, then we should better go and see what's happening... What do you say huh?"

"Really Lala!!!"

Shazir was relieved because now he can find out if she was fine or not and having his brother support is very mind relaxing.

"Yes... Now stop acting like a desperate fan-girl and go wash your face and meet me outside on the parking lot,"

"Thank you, Lala... I love you... You know I was tense to go alone there thinking I might increase her problems but now I am relaxed... Thank you, Lala... I love you like really love you,"

Taimoor patted his back twice then pushed him toward the bathroom but not before teasing him.

"Stop all this mushy stuff... I am not habitual to your bromance Shazir. Safe it for my sister in law,"

Taimoor smirked at him as he returned Shazir words to him and chuckled at Shazir disgusted face.

"Meri Billi mujhe hi meow,"

He said the words with a scowl on his face as he tasted his own medicine but his heart was now calm, Taimoor laughed at his retreating figure yelling behind him.

"I am just getting started Mr. Shazir, I think the title of the henpecked of the house is going to be transferred soon,"

Shazir flipped him as he blushed red in embarrassment, and ran toward the bathroom.

Taimoor smiled but soon moved toward his office because if they are doing this he might need something.

After 10 minutes, Shazir opened the passenger door and sit inside, it's already getting dark outside but his heart was racing miles per hour as he thought about seeing her after one week.

He noticed a brown file on the dashboard, he raised his eyebrows at his brother who just shrugged at him.

"You will know when you reach there... I thought we might need it, now shut up and put your seat belt on you idiot,"

They soon started the journey and within 30 minutes they are outside her house.

Shazir felt nervous but more frustrated, Taimoor sensed his emotions as he holds his arm, getting his attention.

"Shazir... I know you are a responsible man and you know what you are doing but we need a mature mind to handle this. It's about a girl reputation ,so please let me handle it because we both know who is more mature here,"

Shazir wanted to give a smart ass response but keep his mouth shut and just nodded.

They both get out of the car as they looked around, many passers-by stopped to look at them.

Most of them recognize the khan brothers, Taimoor being the leader was quite famous in his town and he smiled at everyone but his personality hold the 'don't mess with me' vibe.

They moved toward the house and Shazir ringed the doorbell and Taimoor just shook his head at his brother's eagerness.

He straightens his black kameez collar, pulling his waist coat to close the top button, he was wearing casual clothes because he came to the office in an emergency.

They keep standing for a few minutes before someone called from inside and opened the door looking at them.

Hafsa beghum was confused when she saw two-man on her doorstep, one in a suit and the other in shalwar kameez but then she saw Taimoor and get shocked.

"Khan ap... Yaha...,"

She spoke politely, Taimoor just smiled at her and nodded his head.

"Aunty just Taimoor... Can we please come inside?,"

She didn't want to let the leader of their town wait outside so she steps aside and let them in.

Hafsa beghum knew why Taimoor came here, she knew that Konain has a special bond with him as he has met them twice and each time he behave like a big brother to Konain.

She leads them to the living room, as she entered before them and let her family know about their presence.

Shazir looked around the house, it was a small house as compared to the white palace but it is still giving a homey environment.

He looked forward, eyes roaming around, searching for the one but it's like she didn't know about his arrival as she was not in the room.

He frowned but as they enter the small living room, the room becomes quiet and he saw that there are more people than her family.

Konain family was shocked to see them but still her father stood up to greet them.

"Assalam o Alaikum Khan... You came here...you should have called me, why did you...,"

"Uncle Ji... I have already told aunty to call me Taimoor. And can't I came here to meet you?"

"No, that not what I mean... You are welcome here anytime,"

Konain father smiled at him wholeheartedly, but then look behind him in confusion.

Taimoor followed his gaze as he smiled again patting Shazir shoulder as he introduced him.

"This is Shazir... My little brother,"

"Assalam o Alaikum...,"

Shazir gulped as he greets everyone politely, he was standing in front of his future in-laws, so he has to be respectful, and the fact that her father was a retired army officer was not unforgotten by him.

'Yeah... In-laws if they give their daughter hand to you duffer,'

His stupid sub-conscious made its appearance and made him more nervous.

'Shut up... Stupid brain,'

He scoffed as he looked around and noticed two people in the room, Konain told him that it's just her parents and her at home so who are these two.

The woman has dollar signs in her eyes as she saw the khan brothers in the room, while the man has confusion but most of all fear on his face, Shazir ignore them as he was looking for her.

They sat down and the woman introduced herself, Shazir cringe at her extra sweet tone and the same look appeared on Taimoor's face but he masked his expression.

"Assalam o Alaikum... I am Rubina and this is my son Furqan... I am Konain's phupho,"

Taimoor smiled tightly at her and then turned toward her parents as they sat beside each other, Rubina beghum didn't like it as she again called Taimoor but did a mistake.

"So Taimoor beta... Why did you come here today?"

Taimoor looked at her with blazing eyes as he gives her a fake smile.

"It's Khan for you... Rubina Ji,"

Rubina beghum felt beyond embarrassed and shocked but she didn't want to anger the town leader and grandson of Mir Burhan Khan, she knew what Taimoor is capable of.

Furqan just cowers back like the coward he is and gulped when he saw Taimoor's blazing eyes.

Taimoor turned around to face her parents as an impatient Shazir sat beside him bouncing his knees.

"Uncle Ji... Can I know where is Konain?"

"She is just here, Hafsa beghum call her please,"

Farooq sheikh smile guilty and that confused the brothers but they keep quiet.

Hafsa beghum called Konain, and Shazir keeps his eyes on the door waiting for her and then all his prayers were answered as she came.

"Ji Ammi...,"

She stands in the doorframe looking so simple and beautiful but weak, the bags under her eyes, her sullen cheeks, and her hollow eyes are not hidden from him.

She then looked at the people sitting there and then her eyes collided with him and she was shocked to her core as she felt her heart coming alive.

Just a mumble escape her mouth as she saw him.

"Shazir...,"

.....

Konain was happy one week before, her life was peaceful and now joyous with Shazir in the picture.

He didn't miss a chance to tease her and irritate her but she knew he was just doing it to make her smile.

She knew he was successful to make his way in her heart, the heart that never beat for anyone was falling.

She was so happy the day he dropped her but she didn't know that a storm was coming her way.

That night a raging Rubina beghum came to their house with her son and a couple of women from the neighborhood.

Konain and her parents were shocked at their arrival, they asked about it but Rubina beghum just slapped her in front of her parents.

"Appa!!!"

Her parents yelled as Konain stood there with a hand to her heated cheek and tears in her eyes but she didn't let them out.

"Why are you both yelling at me? She deserves this... We trust her and give her independence but she was whoring around with men and tainting our reputation,"

"Appa... What are you saying?"

Hafsa beghum holds her daughter in her arms as she comforts her but Rubina beghum was not going to stop today.

"I am saying that because of your cheap upbringing, she is like this... Today all these women saw her getting out of a man's car, who knows what she was doing with him? She told us that she was working but she was busy with men,"

"Appa stop this now... I believe my daughter, she can never do this,"

"Ok brother I will understand but what will you tell the society huh... They won't stop, today they are talking, tomorrow the whole town will... what will we do then?"

Hafsa beghum and Konain were now silently crying and Farooq sheikh was mentally devastated.

"If you want to live here in this area then stop your daughter from all this otherwise we all will throw you out if this house,"

The lady of the society head said and for her family the world turn upside down. This is their only protection.

Other women also spoke up and started yelling at her and calling her names.

Farooq sheikh didn't know what to do so he looked at his daughter who just nodded her head at him.

He closed his eyes and spoke up, making his sister and her minions smirk at the broken girl.

"Ok, Konain will not go to her office from now on... Please just go now I guarantee you will have no problems from our side,"

The ladies nodded and walked away as they give evil smiled to the broken family, they helped Rubina beghum because Konain Farooq was giving hope to their daughters.

They were conservative people and they didn't allow their daughters to work and as Konain was doing it so they considered it bad and as rebel behavior.

"I can understand your pain brother... But don't worry I will help you with this problem. You don't have to worry about anything,"

Farooq sheikh just nodded at her as he was looking at his devastated daughter, he knew working was not just her passion but her escape from the harsh world.

Rubina beghum smirked at Konain as she signaled her son to snatch her phone as Konain and Hafsa gasped at the sudden action.

"I am taking her phone, brother... I know you trust her... I do too but these people might not so I am just taking it for precaution,"

"Take it phupho... I won't need it, what I need is here with me,"

Rubina beghum rolled her eyes and that's how her life was a living hell from the last week.

She was so anxious as she can't contact anyone and inform HR that she will not come to the office.

Her phupho is always at her home with her son and they both watched her every move like a hawk.

She wanted to cry and yell but keep patience because she knew her LORD will never burden more than her capacity.

She wanted to call Shazir or Taimoor to inform them but then again her phupho told their secretory that she will never go back and that night she cried on her praying mat in front of her only listener.

She was in her room to avoid her phupho and her son but when she came on her mother call.

She was shocked to her core, there in her living room sat the man who was able to enter her heart, she can see his disheveled appearance and felt bad for him.