Clang.

Zaib unceremoniously piled the dirty dishes into the dishwasher and pressed the start button. A whooshing noise confirmed that the machine was indeed on, so Zaib hurriedly rinsed his hands and wiped them on a kitchen towel nearby. He then walked into his now empty living room as his family had gone to visit some relatives, leaving the house to himself.

Although Zaib was always someone who visits his relatives and socializes, he simply didn't feel like it at the moment. Everything had been hard on him the past few days considering the whole Zoya situation, legal battles with his ex-partner's company and getting his own company back on track.

He had been working non-stop to fix everything that had gone down behind his back. Ever since Zoya had confronted him at his workplace, enlightening him about the issue he was unaware of, he had just lost hope. Not only did he lose face in Zoya's eyes but he was betrayed by colleagues he had closely worked with for years. The effects of this ordeal were taking a toll on him physically and mentally. His dark locks remained unkempt, his eye bags were prominent and his shirts wrinkled.

He was so focused on his work that he didn't spare any time for him to groom himself. When he wasn't working he was praying or just sitting there blankly thinking to himself. Zaib was good with words since day one but he had been contemplating how to make this right. He did have plenty of arguments with different people but this argument was different. It was someone he loved and could easily lose.

Zoya—just the thought of her made his heart sink. The acrimonious argument and the visible disgust on her face haunted him throughout these days. She believed that it was him behind this horrifying injustice: is this how much she trusted him? Had he not made himself worthy enough for her? At this point, he couldn't help but doubt the status of their relationship.

If she could so easily assume him in the worst position possible, surely she lacked faith in him. If this was happening now, when they were only engaged, what would happen once they got married?

The television was on but Zaib was occupied in his own world. A cloud of emotion dwelled above him: regret, confusion, anger, and hopelessness. He felt distraught.

Just as the cycle of his thoughts started repeating once more, a ringing interrupted him. Frantically, he pulled his phone out of his pocket thinking it was another work-related call but surprisingly it was Bilal. He hadn't talked to Bilal in weeks as they were both caught up in their own lives, so it was weird that he was calling on a working day. He swiped the screen to attend to the call.

"Bilal? Is everything okay?"

Silence. For a few seconds all he heard was breathing but it didn't sound like Bilal.

"Bilal-"

"It's me."

That voice. The voice that got his heart racing in a matter of seconds. The voice of the person who could always get that crazy reaction from him no matter how much tried getting used to her. But he couldn't let himself melt now. He had to keep it together.

Why was she even calling him anyway? Zoya was not the kind of person who would call or text first, it was always him initiating conversation. She had a very timid nature and wasn't very impulsive either so he didn't understand why she suddenly called that too from Bilal's number. He would have to find out anyway. He inhaled in an attempt to calm himself down before speaking to her.

"As Salamu Alaykum," her voice wavered, as if she was having a hard time composing herself. No matter what the situation was or where she had left off with a person, she would always greet them properly. This was one of her qualities he admired—she always meant well.

"Wa Alaykum Assalam." He couldn't help but soften up for her.

"How are you-doing?" Despite the circumstances, she seemed to care about his welfare. But he had to know what was the purpose of this call. "Alhamdulillah. Is there a reason you called?"

"Yes."

He waited for her to elaborate.

"Zaib...I-I-well, I'm sorry." His eyes widened at her statement. He did not expect this. "I carelessly blamed you for the whole matter. I really didn't mean to. It's just at the time I was shocked to see you a part of it and acted upon my feelings."

Her explanation wasn't good enough but it was hard for him to be angry at her for it. She sounded so concerned and it only melted him further. This was the Zoya he fell in love with yet it was hard for him to just accept this.

"I'm mad Zoya." He gave her a moment to let it sink in, "I am. I really am so don't sound this cute." It was getting more difficult with every passing moment to not give into her. It was hard for him to be harsh on someone he so deeply adored.

"I'm sorry."

He already knew she was genuinely sorry for what she had done but that wasn't his main concern. He wanted to know whether they could even last if these things kept happening. Zoya's mistrust in him proved how vulnerable this relationship really is. What's a relationship without trust?

"Are you still suspicious of me?" He had to give her a chance, he couldn't just let her go this easily.

"Zaib, I-I was never suspicious. I don't know how to explain this to you. When I arrived home that night, I couldn't believe it. I realized my mistake because you are not a liar or a self centered idiot. You are honest and responsible. You'd never do something so cheap- you could never."

She sounded so broken and desperate to bind things together but this made Zaib's self-doubt consume him even more. It was appeasing to know she believed in him but what if he had been involved? Would that change how she felt about him? People make mistakes all the time. Was she the kind of person who would hold him accountable for his every mess?

"What if it had been me?"

This question seemed to echo in their conversation. It was a question Zaib couldn't stop himself from blurting out and a question that resulted in momentary silence from her.

"You? It's not you Zaib. You did nothing wrong."

She was avoiding.

"But what if, I was the one who had intended to destroy Shahamill? What would you do?" Zaib's frustration continued to increase as the incident played out in his head once more. How useless he felt then, how vulnerable.

"I would've asked you to stop."

This was just one of many incidents to come. Marriage only brought more problems, more difficult situations which could either make or break a person. The only thing that can restore peace is trust and Zoya didn't seem to have that for him. If it had been him, would it all have ended, thrown away like a box of ancient memories?

His jaw clenched and with his heart throbbing he asked her what he dreaded. "Would you have ended ou—"

"No!" He hadn't ever heard her sound this desperate before. "I wouldn't have. But that's not the point Zaib. You're not like that."

Why did she only realize this after the damage was done? Before she went home and thought things through, had he really been so degradable. Did she genuinely believe him to be that heartless and work-influenced?

"Zoya, you have no idea how much this means to me. And it's making me feel sick how I haven't been able to win your trust." Everything felt so wrong right now. He knew she was probably hurt, but he couldn't hold back in expressing his frustration.

Since this all had played out, he constantly wondered whether she was actually ready to marry him. What if she had just accepted this proposal because she felt pressured to? He always came on too strong and that might have pushed her away. He didn't want to hold her back. "If you're really that unsure, we can-we can postpone future plans until you feel like it's appropriate. I don't want you to feel burdened-"

"No, no, no! What are you saying? I've been waiting for that day impatiently. Why would you even say that?" Zoya's sudden change of tone took him off guard.

She sounded devastated, but it was different from before. There was something determined about her. Maybe she did want to marry him after all. Or maybe she was too nice to reject him to his face.

"Stop saying stuff like that. Zoya, there's no point if you don't mean it." This was a very disheartening conversation for him. He felt sick to his stomach and wanted to reverse the hands of time and make everything okay.

Zoya's voice vibrated through the phone once more, this time more powerful and angry than the last. "I mean every word I say! I have never mistrusted you. I am a huge idiot at times and act according to my stupid feelings. You are the only one I have ever fallen in love with so stop second guessing our relationship and don't postpone our marriage because this-this means everything to me!"

Zaib's hands loosened, allowing the phone to fall on the sofa behind him. For a few seconds he sat there in silence, letting what she said sink in.

You are the only one I have ever fallen in love with

This means everything to me

Immediately a giant grin grew on Zaib's face. His heartbeat accelerated unimaginably, that cloud of emotion dispersed. It was as if the dark clouds had swam away from him and a lovely sunny morning rushed to his side. His body felt light making him wonder if he was in euphoria. The shine returned to his eyes, and everything he set his gaze upon became magical. His senses felt heightened- every colour more vibrant, every texture emphasized.

She loved him. Zoya Hayat Malik loved him.

Zaib started to realize what had just happened and there was a rush of emotions flooding him all at once.

Instantly, he dropped into sujood. He felt shy to thank Allah for something so personal but Allah was truly All-knowing and only Allah deserved to know his emotions.

All the suffering he had encountered in the past few days was deleted like an unneeded file from his memory. The doubts had vanished. He was not the only one who wanted this marriage. Zoya loved him back. Oh, how amazing it felt to be loved back. There was someone out there who didn't need him but rather wanted him.

She had beaten him to the confession herself. Just the thought of it made Zaib chuckle. That stubborn girl would never change. The more he replayed what she had said in his head, the more wholesome he felt.

His engagement and business both had suffered, so much had happened in these three days that he could not even comprehend it. He had let his own thoughts put him down and surrounded himself with negativity.

Zoya's words had crushed his spirits and made him feel unworthy. Perhaps, there would be more of these situations to come, but that's what life is about, facing obstacles and overcoming them.

They both were still new to this. They were young and impulsive individuals. Zaib was not perfect in controlling his emotions either. Maybe they would both push each other away at some point.

Yet he would always go back to her.

For Zaib, he only saw Zoya as his future. His heart ached at the thought of them married, two different people—like a puzzle, they completed one another.

-->>>

"Bilal, don't you have work to do?"

Zaib was in his office once more, trying to do his weekly file review when he had received a call from Bilal's number. This time it was actually Bilal to Zaib's relief and disappointment at the same time.

They had just caught up but Zoya wasn't brought into the conversation even once to Zaib's surprise considering it was Bilal's phone she had used to call him. Bilal probably didn't even know about the phone call.

Now, Bilal was asking him to meet at the mall on a random Friday and Zaib couldn't help but wonder what was going through Bilal's mind. "You don't have to worry about my work; I'm already done for today. Anyways, we haven't been able to meet for so long, just the two of us hanging out. Without—"

"Okay, what time are we meeting?" Zaib interjected.

"Is five PM okay? I know you're usually done by then."

Zaib stared at the files laying around. He did need to give himself a break after working so hard this week. "Okay, I'll see you at the south entrance then."

"Sounds good, As salamu alaykum."

"Wa alaykum assalam."

Zaib let out a sigh after the phone call ended. The last time he had been to that mall, he went shopping with Zoya. That was one of the best dates; they had hours to get to know each other and bond. Now he would be going back without her during a time of disconnection.

Well at least he would have Bilal there with him. Bilal was the kind of person who never let anyone else's personal drama interfere in his relationships with others. He would always be there for Zaib whenever he felt low and Zaib really cherished his friendship with Bilal. Suddenly, Zaib felt good about this meet up and so he waited for the clock to tick five.

—:—

"As salamu alaykum! How are you?" Bilal enthusiastically greeted Zaib at the entrance, giving him a handshake and a hug.

"Wa alaykum assalam, I'm good Alhamdulillah and you?" Zaib couldn't help but grin at his friend's warm welcome.

"Alhamdulillah, I'm so glad you made it. Let's go catch up in the ice cream shop."

Before Zaib could object, Bilal started walking away. The ice cream shop? The last time they went there, Zoya and him had their first mini-argument which he now admitted was kind of his fault. But that place had a memory of her and going there right now felt weird.

He caught up to Bilal, "Isn't there any other cafe or restaurant around here?" Bilal ignored Zaib's suggestion which made Zaib raise an eyebrow.

They walked into the almost empty ice cream parlour and went straight to the counter. Bilal ordered a chocolate ice-cream as usual and Zaib ordered a vanilla milkshake. Both men split the payment and sat down with their desserts.

"So, how have things been with Zoya lately?"

Bilal's question caught Zaib off guard and he choked on the milkshake he was currently slurping. "Why would you ask that?"

"I mean, she is my sister and you're my friend and you both are engaged. Why wouldn't I ask about her?" Bilal nonchalantly replied, thumping Zaib on the back in an attempt to prevent him dying from choking.

"Uh—yeah why wouldn't you? We're fine." Zaib looked down flushed. They had only argued this whole week and she had blurted out that she loved him but none of them had gotten any closure. He wanted to see her.

"Really?" Bilal inquired, pushing for details. "Well, we might have had an argument—or two," Zaib mumbled under his breathe. Bilal narrowed his eyes. "Come again," he muttered.

"It was about our work. There was a clash and a misunderstanding. Though it's better now."

Even though Zaib knew that Zoya was at fault for the misunderstanding, he couldn't badmouth her in front of anyone, not even her own brother. More than his love, he felt the need to respect her. Their phone call had made him realize that no matter what she said or did, he would always have a place in his heart for her.

"Do you still intend on marrying her?"

Zaib's gaze narrowed. "Of course! What type of question even is tha-"

"Zaib?"

He froze mid-sentence. It was her.

"Oh Zoya, you're finally here, come take a seat!" Bilal waved her over.

Zaib's gaze travelled to the door where Zoya stood, mirroring his astonishment. Her delicate hands were clutching onto her cross-body bag, her face looked as if it lost all color and her eyes bulged as if she could not believe what she was seeing.

"Bilal you— you didn't tell me Zaib was going to be here," Zoya muttered as she walked over to the table and set her bag down. Zaib's heart thumped harder as her confession replayed within his memory and his smile grew brighter than the sun.

"If you want me to leave, I'd be happy to," Zaib teased, pretending to be hurt as he rose to his feet. He suddenly felt a tug on the hem of his shirt. "Don't go!" An urgent voice trembled behind him.

He turned to see Zoya looking up at him with icy eyes as wide as saucers and a fiery blush covering her cheek as she gently held onto his shirt. His heart plummeted as he stared at her with an intensity unknown to any other woman. "I didn't mean it that way, I was just taken aback. Please stay."

He returned a massive grin and they both sat down, unable to meet each other's eyes again. Zoya fumbled with her fingers while Zaib tapped his feet impatiently.

"Bilal, what exactly are you trying to do here?" Zaib finally spoke up after a minute of silence. Bilal took one last bite of his ice cream and stated, "I'm trying to break the record of having the most ice cream scoops in my mouth and I think I'm winning!"

Zaib never wanted to punch someone so bad. "I'm talking about us, you idiot," he clarified.

Bilal glanced at them and gulped down his ice cream. "Oh, I'm making you guys speak to each other. What else?" He rectified.

"Why?" This time, Zoya asked the question.

"First of all, you've been excessively cleaning for the past four days. I can't find any damn thing in my own room. Secondly, I nearly slipped twice while you were mopping. Thirdly, your crying has been keeping me awake at night. Our walls are thin. Should I carry this list on?"

Bilal's little rant caused Zoya's blush to enhance color and she gave him a soft punch on his arm for blurting out her business just like that in front of Zaib.

"You cried?" Zaib's voice creaked.

Zoya looked up into his tender eyes and reluctantly nodded. Damn, he really made her cry even before marrying her. His name would probably go down in the worst husbands to exist.

"Okay that's my cue to go sit over there." Bilal slipped away to another table, unable to handle this whole romantic genre. He enjoyed comedy and thriller. Romance was bland.

"Why did you cry?" His voice was stern and almost unrecognizable as his gaze turned cold. Zoya gulped, playing with her fingers.

"Because..." she pursed her lips and sighed heavily. "Because I really am sorry. I didn't know what to do, how to fix this. I wanted to make things better but I also realized that I don't deserve you," she declared, looking down.

"You can never not deserve me," she looked up hearing the string of determination in his tone.

"What you did really hurt me Zoya," he paused, looking at her face drop at his words, "But it made me realize that I can't stop loving you."

At that her breathe caught in her throat and her eyes welled with tears. She was so grateful that even after all of this, Allah had opened up Zaib's heart to her. She felt a heavy burden lifting off her chest—she could just start floating any time now.

"So do you forgive me?" She managed to let out.

"On two conditions," he muttered and she stared confusedly. She motioned for him to go on as he stared into her gaze.

"You'll not cry again." Her smile elevated him to another world as she nodded to his request.

"What's the other condition?" She wondered.

Zaib smirked slightly remembering what she had accidentally said yesterday. "Repeat the words from yesterday." Her eyes enlarged as she realized what he was talking about.

"Why—" his smirk grew. "Because it's the only way you'll be forgiven," he stated. She inhaled deeply, assuring herself it was important for his forgiveness.