Hashim's POV

When I was leaving the room Asmara called me"Hashim! Please don't tell anything to Mama,she will scold me."

My eyes glittered,she was taking my name without stuttering so I asked"What did you just say?"

She spoke"I said please don'..."

"No before that."I asked cutting her off.

She frowned"Nothing."

"Say my name,What's my name?I pleaded.

She smiled with mischeivous glint in her eyes shaking her head in no.

"Ok,I'll tell Aunty then that you don't like my kisses that's why you got panic attack."I said teasing her.

"Don't lie,it's not like that."She replied.

"Okay,your wish ma'am!now if your permission is granted may I leave?or did you miss me so much that you are not letting me go?"I asked teasing her,her face turned red.

"My tomato!"I laughed seeing her face and squashed her cheeks.

"Aa..it's paining!"Asmara said placing her hands on her cheeks,frowning cutely.

I grabbed her hand from her cheeks and gave a quick peck on her cheek.

My phone started ringing.Wali was calling me.I picked up the call"Yes Wali?"

"Where are you idiot?We were going out together but Mr.Hashim forgot again!"he yelled from the other side.

"I'll call you later just a minute."I said and hung up the call.

"I'll not tell anyone,anything.

but you have to clear the matter with Aunty by yourself,ok?now take rest.I am going.See you later!"I said rushing out of the room.

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"I am sorry bro,actually I was busy,so sorry!"I said to Wali when I reached his house.

"Where you were busy?You have nothing to do these days!"Wali questioned.

"Umm...I was at Ali Uncle's place."I replied.

"But he is out of city,liar!"Wali said.

"He is out of city and I was with Asmara!"I told him.

"She talks to you normally?I mean at Ayesha's wedding she was very nervous around you"Wali asked.

"She was nervous because of all that divorce drama.We are fine now."I told him.

"So when you are getting married?"Wali asked.

"She is 7 years younger than me,and you are planning my wedding."I replied.

"So you mean you will wait 7 more years,isn't it so long? And btw she will always remain 7 years younger than you."Wali questioned.

"Stop it Wali.I never thought about it."I replied.

"Do you love her?"Wali questioned again.

"Now where this love came from?I don't know what this love is.I just know that she is my wife.We are bound to each other.I care for her,it's simple.Don't make it complicated."I shared my thoughts.

"Allah!what will happen to you both?she is almost a kid and you are the most bored person,no romance.what will you both do?just care for each other?"Wali asked again.

"Stop it Wali.I don't want any argument"I said.

"I'll stop but Mr.Hashim treat her as your wife,not as a kid.You should love your wife.It's not just about care and concern,Mr.dumb!"

"Ok,anything else?"I asked being annoyed.

"I want to meet my bhabi?"Wali asked.

"No!"I replied.

"She will never agree.I know her!"

"Hashim please I want to meet her please!"Wali said.

"Okay I'll talk to her.If she agrees so..."

"Done,so tommorrow's lunch at my place?"Wali asked.

"No,in any resturant but if she refuses so no lunch"I replied.

"Ok!"Wali replied.

We kept on chatting for hours,afterwards I went home.

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I dialled Ayesha's number as I was missing her.

"Hey bro!"she answered.

"When you are coming home?"I asked.

"I am in my room,idiot.Just waiting for you!"she replied.

"Ok,I am coming!"I said and went to her room.We hugged each other.

"How are you and Omar bhai?"I asked.

"We both are fine and you are happy today,why?"Ayesha asked.

"Because you came here."I replied.

"No buttering Hashim! Tell me the reason?"she said curiously.

"I went to meet Asmara.We had good time!"I replied honestly.

"On date?"She asked.

"No...I..actually she got panic attack so at first I took her to hospital then after returning we talked for quite long time...so!"I told her.

"Why did she get panick attack,again stressing over something?"she asked.I nodded.

"Umm..Ayesha will you come to lunch with me tomorrow??"I asked.

"My husband will kill you for offering me lunch date."Ayesha started again.

"Ayesha!Wali wants to meet Asmara so he asked for lunch.I thought Asmara will never come alone,so I asked you."I replied.

"Ok,I also want to meet my bhabi but tell your stupid Wali to behave well."she replied.

"Ok,thanks!"I said happily.

"Let's call her."Ayesha said cheerfully grabbing mobile from my hand and dialing Shiza Aunty's number,putting it on speaker.

"Assalamoalaikum Hashim bhai!"said Sara.

"W/S sweety, it's me Ayesha."Ayesha said.

"How are you Api?I missed you.You never came to meet us after your wedding!"Sara said in a sad tone.

"Sorry Saru,let's meet tommorrow for lunch?"Ayesha asked her.

I was shocked hearing her.Is she mad?why is she inviting Sara?

"Api you are coming tomorrow?"Sara asked chirply.

"No dear,we will have lunch outside.Me,you,Asmara and Hashim."Ayesha told her.

"Api,does Asmi Api know?"Sara asked.

"No,she doesn't but you both are coming.We will pick you up,okay?where is Asmara now?"Ayesha asked and my heart beat increased.It always happens listening her name always make my heart flutter.

"She was tired,so she slept.I'll tell her,we will come."Sara said and hunged up the call.

"Why did you invite Sara?"I asked being annoyed.

"For you,I'll engage Sara in conversation with me,so you will get time to spend with her,if that Wali remains quiet."Ayesha said annoyingly,I laughed.

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Next day

"Mama,Baba!Ayesha Api called yesterday.She wants to take us for lunch me and Asmi Api."Sara announced sitting on the dining table.

"Good,go and enjoy!"her father said and mother nodded in agreement.

"Mama,I don't want to go anywhere.Why she is asking for lunch?"Asmara said being irritated.

"Hashim bhai is also coming!!"Sara said mischeivously.

This made Asmara's eyes sparkle,and a smile spread on her lips.

"So,there is no problem now?"Sara said teasing Asmara.

"Yes,there is no problem,you both should go."Shiza said ending the discussion.

"Api,you are wearing shirt and jeans why?it's lunch!"Sara asked.

"I don't like fancy clothes,so don't start your lecture,I am ready."

Asmara's look

"Ok,Ayesha Api texted the address they can't pick us up,so we are going with driver uncle."Sara told.

"Let's go then."Asmara said cheerfully.

"Yes,so eager to meet Ayesha Api?Am I right? Btw Hashim bhai is not coming.He has some work to do...ok,ok let's move api."

Asmara's face became dull,her smile vanished,eyes turned empty.

Sara started laughing"Api I was joking,see your face,your prince is coming."

"Shut up Sara!what nonsense!"Asmara shouted hiding her blush.

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They went to the restaurant. Ayesha was already sitting there using her mobile.

Asmara became happy seeing Ayesha after two long months but she also wanted Hashim's presence!They started chit chatting when Hashim and Wali came.

W:"hello Ayesha,Hi bhabi!!I am Wali,Hashim's friend.

Asmara smiled in response.

Assalamoalaikum!Hashim greeted everyone and sat next to Asmara.

"Ayesha you haven't order anything yet.It's lunch time."Wali said to Ayesha.

Ayesha:"Actually I was waiting for the host,so please order now."

W:haha ok,ok what you all want to eat? And especially you Asmara?

Asmara was tensed at her place,she never have talked to any unknown person and now she didn't even know what to reply.

"An...Any..anything..you want bhai."Asmara replied while stuttering.

Hashim smiled and moved towards Asmara and whispered in her Ear"don't stutter dear.It's only me who should make you stutter!"

Asmara's eyes widened,her breath hitched,she started hiccuping.

"Hashim it's bad to whisper while sitting in a group and what you said that she got the hiccups"Ayesha said while giving Asmara glass of water.

Asmara grabbed the glass and drank the water in a go.

Hashim smiled, shrugged his shoulder and said"its personal."

"So we should leave if you both want to have personal talks,right ladies?"Wali said looking towards Ayesha and Sara.

Both of them nodded.

"No,no,no!it's nothing personal.He just said that you are looking beautiful Asmara!"Asmara said it in one breath.

Hashim threw his head back while laughing at Asmara's words.

"Stop it Hashim,don't tease her"Ayesha glared at Hashim while suppressing her smile.

"I told you it was personal."Hashim said still laughing at his wife's antics.

Sara and Wali were also controlling their laughter.

Asmara got embarrassed and started playing with her hands.

Waiter brought the food,all started having their meal.

"Hey bhabi!"they heard a voice.All heads turned towards the voice and there Aliya was coming waving towards Ayesha.

"Hello everyone!Aliya said eyeing Asmara.

Asmara shuddered at her place seeing Aliya sitting infront of her,she was afraid of Aliya because of that day when she poured soup on Asmara's hand.

Aliya smirked.

Everyone greeted her.Hashim tried to leave the place but Asmara grabbed his hand with pleading eyes.Hashim sensed her uneasiness and remain seated.

"What do you want to eat Aliya?"Ayesha asked.

"Soup..hot soup...I love it"she said with eyes still on Asmara.

Asmara's hold on Hashim's hand got tightened,she was controlling her tears,sweat droplets popped up on her forehead.

Hashim got tensed seeing the affect Aliya's words have on Asmara. He held her hand in his both hands, started caressing her hand to relax her.

After having lunch Ayesha suggested that she and Aliya would go back with Wali while Hashim would drop Asmara and Sara back.

"Umm..Ayesha if you don't mind take Sara with you please"Hashim asked.

"No Hashim you know Aliya is with me so...you understand well."Ayesha replied.

Hashim nodded.

Ayesha,Wali and Aliya went bidding goodbye.

"The lunch was good.Wasn't it Sara?"Hashim asked looking towards Asmara.

"It was good bhai before Aliya api's arrival."Sara said frowning.

"Stop it Sara.It was good,she is elder to you, show some respect."Asmara whispered near Sara's ear scolding her.

"So we should leave,Sara?"Hashim asked again noticing Asmara.

Sara and Asmara both nodded,they all stood up to leave,when they were going to sit in the car Sara pushed Asmara on the passenger seat next to Hashim saying"sit with bhai.He is not your driver."

Asmara glared at her with her innocent eyes.

Hashim smiled seeing her innocent glaring.

The car drive was silent,they went home.

"Come inside bhai.Have some tea."Sara invited Hashim while going inside the house.

"No kiddo,we just had lunch so no there is no need for tea.I should better get going,Allah Hafiz."Hashim replied and went away.

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At night

Hashim was packing his stuff as his flight was in the early morning,while packing he was thinking about Aliya's stares to Asmara and Asmara's reaction to her stares.He was thinking what happened between both of them,so he decided to call Asmara to clear the confusion.

Asmara picked up the call and said"asalamoalaikum!"

"W/S,Asmara?"Hashim asked.

"Hmm."she replied.

"How are you?"he asked.

"I am good...you?"she said.

"I am good too...you enjoyed today?"Hashim asked.

"Ye..yes..it was good."she replied hesitantly.

"Before Aliya?"Hashim asked.

"N..no there is nothing like that."she replied.

"I guess we were friends,so you should share your problems with me,isn't it?"Hashim asked.

"I...I don't like her,that's it.She did nothing to me."Asmara replied.

"I never said if she did anything to you or not?"Hashim asked.

"She...she..I don't like her evil stares."Asmara said.

"Why,why do you think that she stares at you,and how do you know her stares are evil"?Hashim asked.

"I told you before.I just don't feel good around her."Asmara replied trying to end the discussion.

"I know all this but what's the reason?"Hashim asked.

"She...she poured soup on my hand on Ayesha Api's barat day."Asmara told Hashim the truth.

"That's why your hand was burnt?Why didn't you tell me before?"Hashim asked with raised anger.

"I..I told you that I don't like her,but you said she must be praising me."Asmara replied.

"She!How could she do this?I'll talk to her,that stupid.How dare she?"Hashim said being much furious.

"Please...please don't..don't do anything..it's been two months please leave the matter...please"Asmara pleaded.

"No,I'll not spare her now,she tortured you."Hashim replied.

"Hashim...please..please,I am not scared off her...please leave it."Asmara pleaded while crying.

"Asmara...don't cry.Ok,ok I'll leave all this,shh!stop crying."Hashim said.

"Are you ok now?"Hashim asked after sometime.

"Hmm."Asmara replied.

"If anyone or anything bothers you then tell it to me at that very moment.Don't cry,we will sort out everything together and never get afraid of these useless people.I am with you.Be strong.Is there anything else bothering you?"Hashim asked.

"No...nothing,its just that Baba is going back tomorrow so I am sad...nothing else."Asmara replied.

"Hmm,he will come to meet you soon.Don't be sad."Hashim replied.

"Hmm."Asmara replied.

"So anything else or are you feeling sleepy?"Hashim asked.

"I am not sleepy."Asmara replied.

"Anything you want to talk about?Ok leave it,tell me how's your college going?"Hashim asked.

"Its good."Asmara replied.

"You are also going?"Asmara asked.

"Yes,my exams are over so for internship!"Hashim replied.

"Okay."Asmara said slowly.

"Will you come to drop your baba at airport?"Hashim asked.

"Umm..no baba will leave on his own,none of us will go."Asmara replied.

"I am...actually I am going almost for an year so will you come to airport tomorrow?I want to meet you before going?"Hashim asked with a little hope.

"One..one year?"Asmara asked lost somewhere.

"Yes.Will you come?"Hashim asked.

"N..no no I..I ...can't!"Asmara replied while stuttering.

"It's okay,Take rest,Allah Hafiz."Hashim said and ended up the call.

Asmara went to her parents room,she had good time talking with her Baba and Mama.

"Baba,can I come with you to the airport please?"Asmara asked.

"Ok beta,you can come if you want."her father said kissing her forehead.She went to her room after being relaxed by her father's statement,she wanted to meet Hashim because that one year ahead was scaring her.

In the early morning she left for airport alongwith her father and Sara.Reaching there she saw Hashim standing in the waiting lounge talking to his father.

They went to Hashim and Mr.Ahmed,greeted them,Hashim's eyes shined seeing Asmara there.

He greeted all of them,went near Asmara and forwarded his hand for handshake looking directly into her eyes.Asmara grabbed his hand hesitantly,Hashim held her hand and whispered in her ear"it means alot dear wifey,thank you for coming."

She smiled with tears in her eyes,Hashim shook his head in no to stop her from crying.

"We should leave,it's time."Mr.Ahmed said.

"Yes!"Mr.Ali and Hashim both replied.

"Mr.Ali hugged Sara and Asmara saying "my littles,Don't cry I'll come soon." and at last kissed their foreheads.

Asmara sobbed silently,her father backed away from the hug and said"Allah Hafiz my princess!we are getting late."

Both Asmara and Sara nodded and started heading towards their car leaving them behind in the airport.

Now Asmara and Hashim went on different ways.Away from each other for almost a year,both were having emptiness in their hearts.Both left each other with a heavy heart thinking what kind of strange connection they have and how it will be after a year?

Dated 23feb,2020.