I flipped through the news channels as I stretched my limbs on the warm couch.My eyes moved to the large glass windows of the hall, as the rain droplets slid down slowly-fogging the glass.The files were sprawled before me as I frustratedly averted my eyes to the lonely droplets, switching the T.V off.

Finish reading these-my mind reminded.

I sighed before opening the blue file again and started to read the content again.It was almost one in the morning and everyone was already tucked away in beds-snoring.It took almost half an hour as I read all the files that needed attention and leaned my back on the couch.My eyes moving to the window again.

A yawn escaped my lips as my eyes and mind begged for some sleep.I closed my eyes but opened them immediately hearing some shuffling.I sat up, my feet slipping in my slippers as my charcoal eyes roamed around the dimly lit hall.

Someone was in the kitchen-

I strolled towards the kitchen, seeing the dim lights illuminating the polished cabinets and marble counters.I leaned against the doorframe, folding my arms in amusement at the culprits.

The women didn't notice me as they searched through the cabinets.Finding what they needed they grabbed glasses but stopped mid air.

"Oh.Hi"Shahwar said, her brown eyes widening.Her hand still in air as she stared at me shocked.

"Hi"I said narrowing my eyes at the women.

"Sneaking around?"I asked amused as they shifted on their places.

Talia flipped her hair back as she grabbed the glass again.

"Were not"She said, her tone sharp unlike Shahwar's.

"Um- We and the girls were watching a movie in my room, so we came to get some snacks.."My cousin nodded her head as she took the plastic bags with her, rounding the counter.Talia followed behind her.

"You want some-"Shahwar asked as she stopped before me.

"No."I said turning around leaving the two to theirselves.

Picking up the files, I placed them on the table as my feet lead me to the garden doors.Opening the french doors I stepped out in the cold.The light rain poured down like sprinkles as I sat on the charpoy bed.I lied down, as the droplets teased me.Folding my arms under my head, I crossed my legs one over another.Exhaling out, I inhaled the fresh breath as the voice called me,

"Arsalan-"I didn't need to turn and look because I knew well that she stood by the double doors.

"Should I make some coffee for you?"

"No Shahwar-"I said from my place.

"But-But you seem stressed.Is everything alright?"She dared to ask.

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"Her voice held uncertainty.

"Yes."I replied a little sternly this time.Shahwar huffed before she said,

"Fine."And then she was gone because she knew better to not disturb me.But it wasn't her who disturbed me it was Talia.That woman literally knew how to pull at my strings and she didn't even let any chance to go since the week she was here.

I hated her-atleast this was clear.

Her falseness was very see-through that I could easily look past her.But Salah seemed to have a cloth wrapped around his eyes or Talia had wrapped him around her fingers.

That feisty black-head.

Anger bubbled inside my veins as I recalled every time Salah followed her around like a lost puppy, however that was all the way round.Someone else was the LOST puppy.I turned to my side narrowing my eyes at an imaginary Talia.

Why in the hell was I even thinking about that woman.

I suddenly questioned myself.Stupid.Stupid.When the cold air nibbed at my skin and the rain drops stopped showering I got up and walked inside to drown myself in sleep.

***

I tightened the light blue tie around my neck, adjusting the white collar as I stood before the mirror.Turning around I tugged the files and the laptop in my black bag.I sighed running a hand through my hair as I tried to find my socks.Luckily, they were washed and kept neatly in my drawers, Zarah kept them here maybe.

The bedroom door opened as the elegant woman walked in, a tray in her hand.She smiled towards me as I stood up from my place.Kissing my mother's forehead I said my Salaam to which she replied brightly.

"Here.."She forwarded the bowl of mix dry fruits to me, which she did as a habit whenever I was home.

"Thanks Ammi.."I said taking the bowl from her.

"Arsalan-Shahwar's marriage is just around the corner.When are you going to take a break from office?"She frowned as her hands folded the comforter.

I thought chewing on the almonds.

"Hm-Actually from tomorrow onwards I won't go to the office and I'll take full participation in the preparations-"

"Now that like my Arsalan-"She pinched my cheek making me pull away from her unexpected action.

"Ouch.."I said as she laughed patting my shoulder.

"Come downstairs for breakfast everyone is waiting."She informed before leaving me alone.

Reaching towards the hanger, I shrugged on my black coat, taking my laptop bag I walked out of my room, thinking how the events had changed just a night before.

Salah and Shahwar were getting married.

I chuckled to myself thinking again how Shahwar had looked up to me worried, when Uncle Yousuf had announced that he wanted something from Uncle Nawaz.I had given her a smile to assure her that all is well-because I knew that Uncle Yousuf was asking Shahwar's hand in marriage.

Stepping down the last stair, I noticed the hustle bustle around the large hall-making me stop in my steps.The maids polished every small decoration article and piece of furniture.The polished wood of the shelf in the hall was wiped off from all the books as they got arranged again under the instruction of Aunty Meena.

The divider cabinets made of dark wood were aligned along the corridor leading to the kitchen as Zarah carefully took out the crystal shining bowls and tea sets.The expensive dinner set plates and shining spoons made from stainless-steel that Daadi Ma had picked out from selection of ten items in thirty minutes because she always wanted the perfect things at the perfect time.

The decorating staff sat with Aunty Neelum and Ammi as they showed the two women the best of rugs and mats for the themes.The glass tables that were always shining were being rubbed with extra care from the staff.Flowers and fairy lights were everywhere as they protested to be hung.Daadi Ma sat on one of the comfortable sofas in the hall with Aunty Neelum as they decided over to change the curtains into what colour.

My widened eyes un-widened as I walked in the kitchen only to see Ahya-Imraan's wife and Aunty Firdous stir the large pot that smelled delicious.The smell of spices mixed with sweetness wafted past my nose as I felt my mouth water at the halwas and curries being prepared.

"You are leaving?"Ahya asked as she chopped green chillies.

I nodded my head as I peeked inside the pot as Aunty Firdous smiled brightly.

"Wow-It really smells good in here."Ahya laughed as she picked up a small bowl from the counter.Putting some small gulaab jamun that were dipped in caramel she forwarded it to me.

"Arsalan- have these.The halwa is not prepared yet."She smiled politely before passing me a spoon.

Just as the warm sweetly caramel ball hit my taste buds-I was a fan of their sweets.

"Oh ALLAH-these are the best I had in a few years."I appreciated taking another sweet into my mouth.Ahya laughed as Aunty joined her.

"Well thank you so much, they are actually made from Aunty Naheed's recipe."The young woman informed stirring the pot.

I nodded thinking how come they prepared them in such a little amount of time as it was still early in the morning.Shrugging the thought away I asked Ahya for her husband and washed my hands before grabbing my bag.I thought to skip breakfast but went against the idea.

Daadi Ma and Ammi would never allow me to skip breakfast ..

Greeting everyone I sat on my usual spot on the dining table as Aunty Meena served me, my plate.Just as I took the last bite, Uncle Nawaz said,

"Arsalan beta, come home early today with Yousuf."I nodded my head as I got up.

Uncle Yousuf was already gone with Imraan so I had to drive myself.Passing through the hallways, I saw the woman walk through the large double doors.Her hands stuffed in her hoodie's pockets while she smirked my way.I clenched my jaw at the sight of her.

The urban legends say not to pass from before a black cat, its a bad warning.That something bad might happen if a black cat passes you.Seeing her walk towards me I felt the same, believing the saying.I slowed down my steps as the woman was a feet away from me,

"Blue tie makes you look more handsome."

Talia said rolling her eyes at me, before walking away casually.I fisted my palms as her words pierced through my ears.Anger bubbling inside me as I breathed out.She had muttered the same words.Damn the very same words.I felt my chest tighten as I looked at the tie hanging around my neck.

Talia , sure was a bad warning.

Her words were like a slap to my face.Turning around the hurried up the stairs, opening the bedroom door I threw my laptop bag on the bed.My hands opening the wardrobe door to find another tie.A grey one that is.

A few hours passed as I leaned against my chair in the office.I had attended all meetings and made all the important phone call for the decorators and caterers for the wedding.It was a relief that not much work was left in the office otherwise in order to complete that I had no option for a break and for that Ammi would have skimmed me alive.

I closed my eyes as my hand mindlessly played with the pen.

Blue tie makes you look more handsome.

Blue tie makes you look more handsome.

The words chanted again and again making familiar memories to resurface that I had tried so hard to bury away.

The woman waved her hand from a far as I walked through the glass doors in my father's office.I sighed taking notice of her as she deliberately called out to me.The staff working around all turned to acknowledge me as I made my way to the crazy woman who grinned.

"Hi." She said.

"Hi."I too mumbled not looking at her.

"Oii.. I am here, before you and your not even glancing at me."She complained folding her arms.

I looked at her this time annoyed at her for always being clingy.

"Do I look good?"She asked looking down at her attire.As always she was in a tight long shirt that hugged her like a second skin and a dupatta that was shameful of not being used properly as it was around her neck like a thin ribbon.Her tights that matched her shirt.

Her small dark brown eyes looked up at me expectantly as I tried to blurt anything out.

"I don't know.You should know how you look"I stated instead.

"Uhm hm.. Aren't you too shy before me.But I like it."She said shyly turning to the other side.

What was wrong with her??

"Blue tie makes you look more handsome"She said flirty batting her mascaraed lashes.

"Thanks" I mumbled turning away from her but she grabbed my hand.

"Want to go for lunch, later this noon."

She asked grinning but I shook my head.

"I am here for work and I suppose that you are also here for the same purpose so please do your work."I stated irritated at her behaviour before slipping her hand away from mine.

She looked at me hurt but smiled and shook her head mumbling, before walking away,

"One day, you won't say this.One day."