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How unbelievable yet true is fate. It was just a few days ago Irfa was crying over the cruelty of life but now she was thanking her lord. Everything seemed to be a dream but this time it was the reality. The reality she had never imagined of, the reality which was better than her bad dreams.

She kept tossing in the bed as sleep was far from her. The sudden change of position had left her in a state of discomfort. Frustrated by her lack of sleep she got up and started looking outside. She didn't know for how long she kept staring into the space lost in her thoughts about everything and anything. Suddenly her heart started beating fast, and she was becoming breathless.

Her throat tightened making her look for water only to find the empty bottle. Quickly getting down she went outside. She heard some noise from a direction while heading downstairs. Thinking of it as any member of the house she went in that direction. She reached the place, it was the kitchen. Standing at the kitchen's gate she peeked inside and found the refrigerator's door open. She slowly peeked and saw a manly figure taking out something. She coughed and the man turned in a jerk as if startled.

It was some man who was staring at her with wide eyes and a spoon in his mouth. She raised her eyebrows and the same time the spoon fell from his mouth…'who is she' was the first thing that came to his mind. He had returned from work at 2 a.m so his over concerned mother didn't give him food as it was his caring father's order.

She didn't show any reaction further. Taking steps towards the refrigerator she stood beside his seated form. She took out a bottle of water and went away without turning back to look at the person who was confused as hell.

“Who was she ?” He mumbled and took out the jar of Nutella. Nobody had told him about any visitor, and she was someone he had never seen. His thoughts lingered on her for some time, but he shrugged it off and concentrated on filling his empty stomach.

The morning was unusually late or maybe her sleeplessness made her feel so. The wall clock indicated the fair time, so she woke up Shifa and together they prayed first prayer of the day. It was such a refreshing feeling, praying with a happy heart. The contentment she was getting was new, and she didn't know if it was right to get contented or not, she only knew she got a family...the one she had always longed for.

“Come Irfa let's unpack your things. I made space in my cupboard.” Shifa said breaking her revere. She got up and carried her bag towards the walk in closet.

Shifa narrowed her eyes seeing the one large suitcase and a small bag. It was way too less for a person who was shifting for ever and most importantly very less for a girl. Sensing her confusion Irfa spoke,

“Actually...these are my only things.” Taking a brief pause she again spoke but stuttered as a lump had formed in her throat.

“I di…didn't go an…anywhere...so...”before she could complete Shifa cut her in between,

“It's alright let's finish the unpacking.” Her cheerful voice truly cheered Irfa and a small smile broke on her lips.

After placing her things in right place both of them freshened up and went out for breakfast. It was a strict rule for everyone to be present on the table at every meal.

“Mom, who is the girl in our house?”Shehreyar asked her mother who was busy in cooking something.

“Your cousin....you remember Zafar uncle? His daughter.”

“Mom? Is she daughter of zafi chachu? Where was she from all the time? How did you all find her?”

He bombarded questions on his

mother receiving a glare from her.

“Shehry later, I am busy...”

“Mom...how can you be sure that she is Zafi chachu's daughter.” he scowled at her and received another glare in return.

“Your late chichi's brother was the one who sent her and please don't speak such nonsense. If anyhow she hears that how bad she would feel?please be careful with your words.” His mother said in a stern voice. Shereyar was like this, doubting on every unknown person. His rude and arrogant nature for everyone except his family wasn't hidden from all.

Rolling his eyes he silently went outside and settled on the breakfast table. He was busy in his omelet as he was getting late.

“Assalamoalaikum baba.” A shrill but sweet sound hit his ear and a frown formed on his face. The voice was new and it was so low that if it wasn't the silence of the dining room it was impossible to hear her. He lifted his head and found the same girl from last night...he was staring her without blinking.

“Walekum asslam beta...come sit.” She sat near Shifa and suddenly felt someone's gaze on her. She looked up and found the same guy from last night staring her with a weird face making her cringe.

Weirdo.

She thought and then continued her breakfast.

“Shehry...shehry” Saba called him, and he came out of his thoughts.

“Oh yes mom what happened?” He asked looking at his mother with a raised eyebrow.

“Beta meet Irfa, your zafi chachu's daughter.” Saba smiled and introduced Irfa to him on which he just curtly said,

“ Hi.”

“Assalamoalaikum.” Was her answer and the next moment Mr Ahmed started laughing like no tomorrow.

'Now what's this?' he threw a

questionable glare to his father and turned towards his mother who was suppressing her laugh. He mentally groaned and got up from his seat.

“I am going I have a very important meeting today. Allah Hafiz.” He bid them bye and walked out of the dinning area.

The day was one of the best for her. She talked with aunty Saba and Uncle Ahmed for a long time. None of them left any chance to pamper her, the two parental figure were no less than a blessing for her. Shifa was a full package of cheerfulness and adorable nature. Not a single moment she left her side and it didn't take her much time in getting comfortable around her. She got to know about one more member Sana the eldest one who was away at their phupo's house. She had two more siblings of her father, his sister...her phupo. The family was beautiful, and she knew more beautiful days were to come.

“Baba jani where is my phupo?...my friends have their phupo and uncle also. Why I don't have?...they also have so many cousins...” a little Irfa said extending her hand to show the number of cousins.

“Beta...you have your phupo, but we can't go there...sorry.” Zafar could only say this much…how could he tell his 5 years old daughter that he was abandoned by his own father due to marrying her mother...and his last wish was that his son never comes back...that after his death he was asked to come back by his siblings but how could he defy his father's last wish.

“No baba jani this is wrong I don't have anyone to play with Bhai also not play with me…”she started crying

“Beta why don't you play with Sadan and Mahi they are also your cousins…” Mr Raza asked his little chubby daughter.

“No I won't Sadan bhai hits me and Mahi don't give me her doll she also teases me that I don't have my amma with me...”she said innocently with teary eyes.

“Ok leave it let's play I am here for you na…” He said and started tickling his daughter.

“Alhamdulillah” a whisper left her mouth as she looked at the family together talking about something.

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The day was very hectic. I had to attend meetings that were endless. I wasn't complaining though...it's my work, my passion. But the unbearable headache was making it difficult for me to even stand still.

“Get me coffee...” I ordered my assistant. Giving me the cup of caffeine he left, I stood and went near the glass window of my cabin. Night had already approached. Thinking about that girl...whatever her name was seemed to be quite weird. There was something hidden in her eyes. I don't give a damn about it...but my family has become super fan of her.

“Sir there is another meeting with Singhal groups.” My assistant informed me and I went in the meeting room. The formal greetings ended and the meeting started and at a point my anger rose. What the hell did they say?

“What did you say?” I asked controlling my anger.

“ In this partnership we would like to appoint low wages workers. It will save our money, and we will use that in anything else.” The man spoke.

“Enough...we are not doing any collaborations with you Mr Singhal.” I said getting up in frustration. How dare he risk those innocent lives.

“What happened Mr Siddiqui?” Mr Singhal asked.

“I said and that's enough...the door is that way.” I spoke.

He immediately went out...my anger is not something anyone wanted to face.Even if it's some big businessman. I don't care who ever it is. My company runs on my rules.

Finishing my work I didn't take much time to rerun back.

Oh damn it I am again late. It was obvious I would get another good dose from baba, so I mentally prepared myself for getting scolded and decided to apologize as soon as he come to open the door.

“Dad I am sorry...” I said without seeing.

“Baba is asleep bro come in silently.” Shifa whispered to me. Thinking god I stepped inside and entered the living room followed by her.

“Why are you up so late?” I asked in a strict tone.

“Me and Irfa were watching a Korean movie, so we didn't sleep. You can join us.” She suggested.

“Whatever... I don't waste my time on such things.” I replied and went inside.I changed into my night dress and dozed off to much-needed sleep after taking painkillers

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