Lovelies go and read @vani1012 her good work. I hope you will enjoy. Give her book a try and I hope you wil enjoy it.

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Now Happy Reading!🤸

Continuous shifting of pots and utensils producing unpleasant clanking sound in the kitchen where maids are working efficiently under Mrs Rahmaan supervision meanwhile Abeer stood there silently, clearly not understanding why she is here if her mother has nothing for her.

"Ammi! Why I am standing here for an hour? Can I please leave to my room." She asked feeling annoyed.

"Chup chap yahi raho!" Her mom said sternly , dismissing her permission.

)

"But why Ammi? Kuch to bata nahi rahi k main yaha kyu hu?" Abeer whinned. "Uper se college se bhi jaldi bula liya." She feels like her mother find pleasure in torchering her.

()

"Kyunki main chahti hu k tum bhi dekho or sikho k ye sab kaise hota hai!Her mother explained strictly. "Phone or dosto se to kabhi fursat hoti nahi hai k kbhi insab me bhi dhyan lagao!"

"But why today suddenly? Its not like the world is ending tomorrow!" She grumbled not understanding her mother logic.

Beta vo is liye..."(Darling, thats because..) Her mother trailed in sickly sweet tone " Yahi sahi time hai tumhare liye ghr ghirasti sikhne ka. Tumhare liye rishte aane shuru ho gae hai! Her mother explained while stirring the dish she was cooking.

()

" baat agar sikhne ki hai to Alaya kaha hai, use bhi sikhae fir main akeli kyu?" Abeer scowled.

()

"laya to kaam ka naam sunte hi group study ka bahane kr k saheli k ghar nikal gai. Ghar pr guests aane wale hai or ye ladki laptaa!" Her mother grumbled in annoyance, already tired from her daughters antics.

"Ya Allah! Jinke ghar me itne naukar ho hath batane k liye unki ladkiya itni kaamchor kaise, ye meri samjh se bahar hai!" Her mother sighed mumbling to herself and Abeer just glared from the corner of her eyes not liking her mother's comment.

(

"Ammi!" She whinned. "Jab naukar hai to kaam karne ki zarurat hi kya hai? She exasperated.

()

"Tum behano me agr itni hi samjh hoti to mujhe aaj apna sir kyu dukhana parta?" (If you both sisters were really smart enough for me to not be so worried about you.) Mrs Rahmaan retorted sarcastically. "Naukar se kaam karwane k liye khud ko bhi kaam ki samjh honi chahiye.Samjhi!" Abeer just shrugged still not convinced by her mother's point of view. Perhaps! Her mother is really a freak.

"Still its too early." Abeer waved nonchalantly, popping the dry fruits in her mouth while supporting her back on the slab and facing her mother. "Abhi pehla hi rishta aaya hai, Baba ne koi baat pakki nahi ki hai abhi, jo aap itni tension lene lag gai! She huffed.

)

Ji nahi!"(You think?) Her mother interrupted her "Apke Baba ne ladke k ghar khandaan k bare me sb malum kar lia hai, Ache log hai. Apke baba ko aaj baat chit pr agar ladka pasand aagaya to vo bina kisi jhijhak haa kr denge."

)

Abeer heart dropped to her stomach, the feeling of uneasiness started surfacing in her heart. She is fearing her dreading nightmares turning into reality. Does Rayan know about this? What he feels ? Looking at him in university today he seemed clueless. Hopefully, he will say no when he will find out.

It..itne jal..jaldi? She stammered in little voice and her mother was too busy to notice.

(it was fast!)

"Haa !" Her mother smiled warmly " Kafi bade log hai uncha khandaan hai to zada time nahi laga apke Baba ko malum krne me. Naam to pehle hi sun rakha tha, baki zaroori information bhi mil hi gai. "

(

Abeer throat suddenly started feeling itchy and dry, without saying anything to her mother she turn around feeling a glass of water silently sipping meanwhile her brain clouding with different thoughts and fear. There's is no doubt Rayan is a really nice guy; an ideal husband for any girl, belonging from an elite family. There's is no enough reason to reject such guy for her father. Only if he wasn't Omer's best friend.

"Go get ready now, they must be arriving any moment." her mother voice jolted Abeer from behind when she was standing there deep in thought with empty glass in her hand, staring in a distance.

*************

'' Its an honor for us that you're are here, Mr Abbas.''

''No! No! Its really honorable for me to finally meet the iron man of world trade.''

Both family head greeted each other enthusiastically while settling down together in living area.

''Mashallah, you have a beautiful daughter!'' Mrs Rahmaan exclaimed now hugging Asmara affectionately after she was done greeting Mrs Abbas.

''Thank you!'' Asmara blushed.

''Assalam Walaikum, Aunty!'' Mrs Rahmaan's face glowed in joy when Rayan stepped in front of her greeting her in his polite and deep voice sounding hoarse.

''Walaikum Assalam!'' She smiled and mumbled ''Mashallah! '' holding him by his shoulders, staring at him without blinking, looking awestruck. She never met such good looking young man ever before and to say he is here to marry her daughter. She already started imagining her grandchildren. Initially, she was nervous for her daughter but now she can only hope for him to be as beautiful from inside so that she can give her final consent to this alliance without any worries.

'' Thank you Aunty.'' Rayan mumbled smiling uneasily and feeling uncomfortable under the admiring gaze of the woman as similar age to his mother.

''Sitara Sahiba! You are making the kid uncomfortable now sit.'' Mr Rahmaan finally step ahead to his rescue whispering in his wife ears and pulling her beside him on the couch while Rayan passed him a greatful look before sign in relief. Everyone chuckled at the interaction but Sitara glared at her husband.

''Pr ek baat to puchni paregi..''Sitara asked mischievously smiling at Mrs Abbas who nodded for her to continue ''Is he really yours or adopted?'' She laughed while Hajra stiffened on her place. Rayan smirked mockingly already liking Abeer's mother bold nature.

(Well I have to ask this...)

''Of course! He is our son!'' Before Hajra can say anything Abbas defended her. He sounds little offended which didn't go unnoticed by Mr Rahmaan who glared at his wife asking her to behave.

''Dad aunty was just kidding, right?'' Rayan defended, laughter shining in his eyes. ''And its not like someone for the first time has said this to you.'' Sitara smiled lovingly at Rayan feeling more impressed.

''Anyways lets discuss what we are actually here for!'' Hajra announced beaming, disturbing the tension between father and son. ''Lets skip the formalities since Rukhsar had told you our purpose of coming here.'' She smiled at Rukhsar who smiled back warmly before she continued again '' We want your daughter hand for our son Rayan.''

''Well....''Mr Rahmaan started speaking when Mr Abbas interrupted.

''Look Mr Rahmaan, we don't want to rush anything. We just told you what we want. Please take your time and then give us your answers. Not right now.''

''Thank you so much!'' Mr Rahmaan smiled great fully because he didn't expect to blast this bomb this early on them.

''To Abeer kaha hai?'' Asmara asked ecstatically and Rayan stiffened.

(So where is Abeer?)

Abeer? No way! She can't be that same Abeer. The prank he played on Omer can't bite him back. Why the hell he didn't realize before that the couple look familiar and the name Rahmaan Khan! He is the most dumbest person on planet if he can't recognize Abeer's father; an exact replica of Omer's father with the same surname he have been hearing all his life.

Sweat started breaking on Rayan's forehead, his hands clammy and cold. He is shifting uncomfortably on his place and his hand shaking like its on vibration. Does Abeer know about all this? What was her reaction? What will he tell Omer? Well..How the fuck he will tell this to Omer? He is feeling suddenly short of breath, his head aching like someone hammering it, heartbeat rate slowing down, everything around him circling.

''I need to make a call!'' he abruptly stood up and rushed out excusing himself before his nerve wrecking condition become too noticeable, ignoring there confused look.

''Must be feeling shy, anyways call Abeer.'' her sister excused for her brother escape.

(So where is Abeer?)

''Abeer!'' Sitara beamed getting up from her place. ''Abhi leke aati hu main use.''

(Let me bring her right away!)

''Well Mr Rahmaan I never expected you to even consider this alliance but seeing you so warm and welcoming towards as is really heart warming.'' Mr Abbas initiated when Sitara left to fetch Abeer.

''Of course not! I really didn't know it was your family that is coming to our place until I did a few research. Your father and grand father have a great history of struggle that I always admired.'' Mr Rahmaan replied and soon they both were discussing business instantly clicking off.

''Look! Abeer is here!'' Mr Rahmaan exclaimed proudly, looking at his daughter who is walking towards them with a tray full of tea cups in her hands dressed beautifully in teal suit, dupatta on her shoulder and her long hairs flowing down in waves.

''Asslam Walaikum!'' She mumbled putting the tea tray on coffee table before kneeling down to pour everyone.

''Walaikum Asslam!'' The elderly couple smiled happily at Abeer already mesmerized by her beauty and politeness.

''You will look really good with my brother!'' Asmara whispered teasing Abeer while Abeer's hand stiffened for a moment before she finally offered her tea cup. Abeer didn't dare to look up since she entered living hall in fear of seeing Rayan. She wants to avoid him at any cost and the best way is to avoid looking anyone and act like a bot. Abeer without lifting her eyes started filling last cup dreading to give Rayan unaware that he isn't for half hours now.

''Look! Rayan bhi agaya!'') Hajra announced watching Rayan walking inside with a blank face and Abeer who thought Rayan is sitting here somewhere immediately turn around to look at him and indeed he wasn't there on couch but walking in her direction. Abeer gulped , her heartbeat rising and falling. It was nerve breaking to face him even after all the pep talk. She breath staring down to calm herself before continue her act of a bot.

(look!Rayan came!)

She waited patiently for Rayan to take his seat while lifting the cup in her hand and gently extended her hands making sure not to make it fall, no one noticed the tight grip of her hand on the cup except Rayan who just stared at her unblinking who is looking down not meeting his eyes but her body language answered him enough. She knew! She already knew; it was him. He was shocked and dumbfounded, his brain clogging with thousand thoughts.

''Rayan now stop staring her and grab the cup!'' Asmara giggled elbowing his brother, thinking he is also captivated by Abeer's beauty and everyone chuckled while Rayan looked away after taking the cup feeling embarrassed.

''You both are in same college, right? Its really must be a surprise for you.'' Mr Abbas spoke observing his son's reaction. He expected Rayan to be a little satisfied by this alliance because Rayan never liked the idea of marrying a stranger but only thing Mr Abbas got to witness is anxiousness.

''Indeed, it was!'' Rayan exclaimed mumbling before sipping on his tea.

''So, Rayan what's your plan for your future?'' Mr Rahmaan asked coming to the most anticipated interrogation. His tone is now gentle but business like.

''Honestly, I am playing to be a football player.'' His answered was a surprise for everyone, no one expected his answer except Abeer. Mr and Mrs Achakzai stiffened dreading Mr Rahmaan response.

''Football?''Mr Rahmaan frowned ''Why not business? I mean your family has their own business, you should be handling that.'' Mr Rahmaan always believes that a perfect son should be focused on handling the family legacy.

''Trust me, I am not his only son. Our business already is in good hands.'' Rayan replied confidently referring to his brother proudly. Although Rahmaan didn't like his answer with a dream like football he doesn't see a future for Rayan.

''I guess football is good as game but career option that too in India, not much! I think you should reconsider your decision.'' Mr Rahmaan suggested.

''I adivce him the same!'' Mr Abbas laughed joining in discussion. ''But you see young blood. Sunte kaha hai!'' He shrugged and Mr Rahmaan nodded in understanding. ''Well now I stopped bugging him, ek do bari thokar lag jaye, fir sambhal hi jaega k football or family business kya hai.''

(But who hear us nowdays?) (let him taste struggle until he learns his lesson well after all who is fool enough to struggle when one has already an empire build to take.)

''Well, I understand from where you both are coming...'' Rayan started now keeping his empty cup on table and leaning back on the couch crossing legs over another like a king, staring right into his fathers eyes daringly. '' but let me tell you I already have played for national and won.''

''Really?Then why I never heard it before, I mean its not a small thing to keep hidden. Don't mind I did a background check but there's is nothing like that. And if yes do you still play?'' Mr Rahmaan asked curiously but distaste for his passion for football is still there. Well , it can work in Omer and Rayan's favour to reject this alliance. Rayan mentally smiled.

''That's because it was one time when I got selected and you know it's not that popular in India to be published on front pages. And by the way I stopped because I am working to join South Korea National team and hopefully will join by the end of this year.'' He explained proudly. ''After all it was my mother's only dream.'' He added looking at his father. It wasn't just a surprise for Mr Rahmaan only but for Abeer and his family too. They didn't know he is planning to join Korea and thought he gave up after playing national.

''South Korea?'' Mr Rahmaan frowned.

''And I didn't know Mrs Hajra love football!'' Mrs Rahmaan added taken aback by the information.

''Well...''Haira smiled nervously.

''That's because she isn't my mother.'' Rayan answered smirking at his step mom and his father clenched his in anger glaring at Rayan. Oh! Rayan is really enjoying all this alot and never expected things will work in his favor so unexpectedly. Its no surprise that only few closest people knows about his father's second marriage and Hajra as his step mother. It was their family secret.

Meanwhile the news shocked Rahmaan Khan and family to the core. He was very observant and careful with all the investigation then how can they miss such big thing? Abeer who thought she knew Rayan was now clueless certainly about this Rayan sitting in front of her enjoying his own family discomfort, the tension and bitterness she has been observing is now visible to her eyes. She never knew the nice and gentleman Rayan is dealing with some serious family issues. However the only question that is now bugging entire Rahmaan family is - Is Rayan an illegitimate child?

''So Rayan is your.....'' Its even difficult for Mr Rahmaan to spell it out. After all its a taboo for them. He won't even consider to give his daughter to such family. Mr Rahmaan is a family man with principles and honour.

''No!!!'' Mr Abbas instantly snapped, his eyes wide in horror.

''Then? Isn't he your youngest or Mrs Hajra isn't mother to any of your child?'' He asked narrowing his eyes. Now the atmosphere is filled with thick tension.

''Actually uncl......''

''Rayan enough!'' Mr Abbas growled before Rayan can create any more mess, revealing their family secret to an outsider is already enough.

''But Dad!'' Rayan dramatically exclaimed enjoying the drama. killing two birds with a stone. A revenge against Mr and Mrs Abbas and getting rid of this alliance altogether. ''Don't you think they have right to know? After all when we are planning to make them our family.'' Rayan mocked innocently.