Sandal's POV:

"I am glad to know that Zohma has a real friend by her side now. I was starting to feel guilty." Azhar Bhai said.

"There is no need for you to feel guilty." Zohma said, frowning.

And I look back & forth between them in confusion.

"You don't know much, do you?" Azhar Bhai asked, looking at my confused expression.

"Know what?"

"My so-called friends abandoned me because I am getting married." Said Zohma, venom dripping from her every word.

"Eh? ....Why would anybody abandon a friend for getting married? And what does it have to do with Azhar Bhai?" I asked Zohma but she wouldn't say anything.

Right now, we are sitting in a garden. And by 'we, I mean Muskan, Azhar Bhai, Zohma and me. While Sir, his mother and Azhar Bhai's parents are deciding the date of the wedding. Zohma was too shy to sit there, so she leaves first, dragging me with her.

Muskan doesn't want to be a part of that boring elderly conversation, so she tags along with us, so did Azhar Bhai. According to him, he has clarified that the marriage has to be held in the next month and since he is a kind man, he gives the elders the honour of taking care of the dates.

"Listen," he readjusts his position on his chair to face me."I have been studying at the same university with them on a scholarship. There was no way a person of middle-class background as me could enter there on his own. So... they hated me for being a commoner and... for snatching away their chance to be a part of the Wali's." He said, winking.

"Chance?" I asked in confusion.

"Common sense, Sandal baji..." Muskan said, pointing her index finger to her head," There were many boys who had asked for baji's hand in marriage to become an in-law of the Wali Family. Which can bring huge fame, plus money."

Wow! She talks like sir...

"Muskan! You're ditto of Sir Ahmed." I said in amazement.

"Haish! Don't compare me to Bhai. He is too... simple. I am the brain of the Wali Family." She says, holding her chin up in the air. Which made us all laugh.

"Well, someone is full of herself." Azhar Bhai said to Muskan. She replied to him, but my mind was too preoccupied to notice what she said. I turned my attention to Zohma.

"Was what Azhar Bhai said was true?" I whispered to her and she nodded in affirmation.

'But you didn't tell me.' I wanted to say but kept it to myself. I am in no position to complain to her about not telling as I was keeping things from her too. I didn't even tell her about my family. And I thank Allah that he helped me dodge the topic every time she or her family tries to bring it up. I don't want to hide it, but I also don't want anyone's pity. Allah had given me those three, and now, he had taken back what he gave. So why should I hear condoling words.?

"Oye!" Zohma shook my arm, dragging me back to reality.

"Sorry, what?" I asked.

"You were spacing out!" Said Azhar Bhai.

"Oh! ...I am sorry... I was just thinking about what Azhar Bhai said. I felt this kind of hatred from only one person and it really pissed me off. I wonder how you managed it."

"You have no idea... Well, there are lots of stories if you want to listen." He said, chuckling. "But who is the person you were talking about?"

"My boss." I said, rolling my eyes and everyone looked at me with wide eyes, including Muskan who was busy doing something on her tablet.

"Um... are you talking about Ahmed Bhai?" Azhar Bhai asked, narrowing his eyes on me.

"Who else?" He chuckled in response and looked away.

"Sandal, he does not hate you nor disrespect you." Said Zohma.

Yeah! Like I would believe this...

"You don't believe me?" Zohma asked when I didn't give any response.

"No, I don't."

"Sandal, I agree with Zohma. He does not hate you... Actually, he is not one of those people who tolerate the presence of his disliked people around them. So, you're in a safe zone." He smiled.

~*~

Zohma's POV:

I mentally face palmed myself when Sandal said that Bhai hates her. I can't believe how thick-headed she is.

Stupid friend of mine ... my brother likes you. More than you think...

Everyone who is close to Bhai noticed the changes in him. He stops going out with famous models, no more truck art type girls around him. He has been avoiding Anam too. He starts spending more time with his friends, taking us out for shopping and dinners. It's like a whole new personality of Bhai, which he kept hidden from us. She is the reason behind these changes. So how can she be unaware of it?

My mobile beeped and Azhar's message popped up on the screen.

She is sweet. Perfect for him.

I smiled at Azhar, which he returns with a wink. Quickly, I turned my head to Sandal and Muskan, who were busy talking about new upcoming dramas.

Azhar excused himself and went into the drawing-room. I joined Muskan and Sandals conversation too while keep answering Azhars texts.

: Your brother is quite clueless when it comes to love. :p

: You mean?

: Will tell you later on the call. For now, I have a brilliant plan for Saale Sahab :D

: What plan?

: Just wait and watch, love. ;)

I have a bad feeling about this. Whenever he uses the word 'Saale Sahab', it usually means that he has something in his mind. He likes to tease Bhai, it's his revenge for making his life hell when he told him that he wanted to marry me. Well, I can't blame him for this. Bhai can be really unfair sometimes and he was unfair to him. But still, he somehow manages to gain Bhai's trust.

After several minutes, a servant came to tell us that Ami is calling for everyone. When we entered the drawing-room, I was embraced by Ami tightly. "Mubarak ho my child. May Allah bless you both." She mumbled and kissed my forehead.

~*~

After a short round of 'Mubarak Ho', tea was served. I sat between my future father and mother-in-law. On my right sofa, Ami is sitting between Bhai and Azhar, and on my left side, Muskan and Sandal was sitting on a couch, giggling and talking about... me I guess, as they are giving me glances every now and then.

All of the sudden, Azhar cleared his throat.

"Ami, do you remember my cousin Adeel?"

"Yes!" Said Ami.

"Ami is looking for a girl for him. So, I was wondering if....... Sandal can be my Bhabi?"

WHAT....?

Bhai choked on his tea and every head turned to Sandal. Meanwhile, she was staring at Azhar with wide eyes in a frozen state.

There was an awkward moment of silence. Azhar's Abbu was the first one to break it.

"Azhar, think before you speak." He said in a strict voice.

"I think he is right. Sandal is a very sweet girl." Ami took her son in-law's side.

"Sorry to spill it like this. But I wish it would become a reality." Said Azhar.

I took a glance at Bhai, he was glaring at Azhar.

Azhar! What are you doing...?

"Sandal! Come here, beta." Azhar's Ami said to Sandal. When she hesitated, Muskan took her hand and dragged her to us. Azhar's mother gently holds her hand and cleared the chair next to her for Sandal to sit.

"Sandal, tell us something about yourself." She smiled at Sandal.

She looked at me for help and I looked at Azhar, who was busy reading Bhai's annoyed face.

Zohma, think something...

"She is working nowadays." I answered Azhar's Ami on Sandals behalf.

"How many siblings do you have?"

"Five. Four sisters and one brother. She is the eldest." I answered again instead of Sandal.

"Mashallah! You have a big family." This time it was Azhar's Abbu.

Suddenly, her face gets pale, like her body's blood is drained.

"What does your father do?" Abbu asked.

I opened my mouth to answer, but my Ami interrupted, "let her speak, Zohma."

We were all looking at Sandal, but she was spinning her ring which she always wore in her right-hand thumb. Her hands started shivering and her face became sweaty.

All of us noticed this. Azhar's Ami panicked and patted her cheek.

"I am sorry dear I made you so nervous... I won't ask anything, okay... Zohma beta, please take her to your room so she can relax a bit." I nodded and took Sandal to my room. She was barely able to talk steady.

"Oye Sandal! Are you okay?" I asked her, cupping her face.

"Sorry, I am not feeling well."

"Do you want anything? Let me get juice for you." I was about to leave when she holds my hand.

"No! Just call Areeba. She will send someone to pick me up. I want to go home."

"I'll take you home with the driver."

"No,.... you're not. Your in-laws are here. I don't want to create a scene and you're not telling anyone until I am gone, okay?"

"But-"

"No buts. I was just panicked. I am better now and don't you dare ask me to go back... It was so embarrassing. What was Azhar Bhai thinking?"

"I am sorry for him. Sometimes he says things without thinking." I apologized on Azhar's behalf.

~*~

"Zohma, where is Sandal?" Ami asked me.

"She left... She was too embarrassed to face anyone." I answered Ami, glaring at Azhar. He just shrugged and focuses on dinner.

Before leaving, Azhar came to me with Muskan, while Bhai and Ami were busy talking to Azhar's parents.

"What happened to Sandal? Why did she leave so abruptly?"

"First, you tell me, Mister. What were you doing?"

"I was teasing Bhai but didn't see that coming..... But why.... was she so hesitant about telling us about her family? Does she have a bad family background? Mafia or something?"

"No. Her father is a very respectable person... He is a teacher." I snapped at him.

"Oh! A teacher... Wow... Hey, got to go. Ami and Abbu are waiting. I'll call you tomorrow, okay? Allah Haffiz."

"Allah Haffiz." Both Muskan and I said in unison.

"So Sandal baji's father is a teacher?" Asked Muskan.

"Yep! Her father teaches chemistry in an Arm-." My mouth was left ajar on the sudden realization.

Ya Allah...

I turned back and ran inside. I have to call Sandal.

How can I be so stupid? Why didn't I understand the reason for her dull smiles... Why didn't I notice the silence of her house... Ya Allah, please... Please please please let uncle be alright.

"Baji, wait! You're running like crazy... At least tell me what happened?" I heard Muskan's voice from behind.

"I need my phone, Muskan.... look for my phone!" I yelled while searching for my phone in the living room.

Where are you? Where are you, stupid phone???

"Muskan, call my number."

"What are you two doing?" I heard Ami's voice.

"I don't know. She was talking to me about Sandal's family and the next thing I know, she is searching for her phone like a crazy woman." Said Muskan.

"Muskan, call my number, idiot!" I yelled at her and the next moment, I was stopped by Bhai. He puts his hands on my shoulders, stopping me from any movement.

"What's wrong?" he asks calmly.

"Bhai, you don't know either, don't you???" I said loudly. Like I had lost control of my voice.

"Sshhh.....! Calm down first, okay?"

"No Bhai, you don't understa-"

"Zohma, I said calm yourself." This time he used his strict voice.

I closed my eyes and took deep breaths.

"Bhai! What do you know about Sandal's family?"

"Nothing except for the fact she had just moved here recently. Maybe Mamo knows."

"And Mamo didn't tell you anything?"

"Tell me what?"

"Bhai! She told me once that her father is a teacher in an Army Public School in Peshawar... Also, three of her siblings study there too." There was a long moment of silence. No one uttered a single word.

I continued, "School is opened again. Her father is supposed to be joining the school, along with her siblings. But she is here, with her mother and Areeba... Where are the rest of them?" I feel my eyes watering and before I knew it, I was crying. Bhai hugged me tightly and patted my head gently.

"I am a horrible friend, Bhai... I was so engrossed in my marriage preparation that I didn't notice anything...!"

"Sshh...... It's okay... it's okay. Don't cry... I'll take you to her house tomorrow, okay?" Bhai cooed, "Muskan, take her to her room and make sure she sleeps."

~*~

Ahmed's POV:

Uff.....

I combed my hair with my fingers... After sending Zohma back to her room, I turn to Ami. She was standing still, staring into empty space. I sighed.

"Ami, you're going to be late for Isha namaz."

"Huh? .....yes ......I am going." Said Ami.

"Shab a Khair, Ami."

"Shab a Khair, beta." She said and went to her room. I also walk into my room. Took a quick shower, wore my night trousers and slump onto the bed. All the happiness about Zohmas marriage died down in a second. My thoughts are clouded and my head feels heavy. I easily said that I'll take Zohma to Sandal's house but I am not sure how to face her after knowing all this..... I don't even know if the rest of her family is safe.

I took my phone and called Imran.

"Assalam o Alaikum, bro!" I heard Imran's voice.

"Wallaikum Assalam..... Where are you?"

"Still on shooting... What's up?"

"I need your help."

"Hm... spill."

"I want information about Sandal's family."

"Eh?...I thought you already have done a background check." He sounds surprised.

"No, I haven't."

"Bro, are you losing your touch or are you serious about her?"

"Look, Immi! Save this for later. For now, I just want the information as soon as possible."

"I already have it." He said in a calm tone.

"You have??? But why?"

"Save this for later... I am busy now, so I'll give you her basic details. Listen carefully. She lived in Peshawar before coming here. She had four siblings. Her father was a teacher in an Army Public School. She lost her father, brother and youngest sister in the terrorist attack. Luckily, one of her sisters that went to that school survived. There are many other things too. I will tell you later, okay. Allah Haffiz." He said and hung up.

I lay frozen in bed, registering everything Imran had said.

After a few minutes, I was able to mutter, Inna lillahi wa inallah-e-raji'oon...

It was too much to take in all at once. I can't imagine how her family faced this tragedy. Losing half the family in one day...

I closed my eyes and sighed.

Sandal.....

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