Placing her gently on the bed, Shehryar sat down close looking at her foot closely.

"It's not swelled."

"Told you It's nothing."

He shook his head and cupped her face making her relax. His touch would always have this effect on her. Always.

"Shehryar! I'm fine. Stop fussing over nothing."

She got off the bed standing close to the closet. He was watching her intently to make sure if she was really fine. Taking out her clothes, she made her way towards the bathroom closing the door behind with a faint click.

This concern was unnerving. As if she was the center of his existence.

Was she?

Maybe.

But even all those years back she was a important part of his life and it didn't take them long to break apart. And she didn't want a repeat show.

Shehryar was trying but her insecurities weren't going to fade away that easily.

He was the faded part of her being and it would take some time for things to turn around.

Coming out she found him sitting on the recliner.

"You took your time."

She was pulled back from her thoughts hearing Shehryar's voice. He gave her a smile and took up his pillow from the bed. She didn't reply but was eyeing his every move closely.

"Where are you going?"

"With this pillow where do you think I can go?"

He slid the balcony door when Alizeh snatched the pillow from his hand.

"You aren't sleeping there."

"And why?"

He folded his arms on his chest looking at her with a raised eye brow.

"You have already got a flu now you'll sprain your neck as well just because of your stubbornness. You take the bed and I'll take the recliner."

She walked away from him when he pulled her back from her elbow.

"Alizeh, you can't stop being stubborn for one second and you are complaining about my stubbornness here? Look, I won't eat you up okay. We can share this bed can't we? I promise i won't even touch you in my sleep either."

Alizeh frowned and then contemplated what he had said. The recliner wasn't a comfortable thing to spend whole night on and she couldn't let him sleep outside as well. What now? Sleeping together on the bed wasn't a bad option here. She could trust him with this couldn't she? She nodded slowly and went towards the bed.

Shehryar wanted to do a happy dance. It was another positive step. But instead he put a nuetral expression on his face and went towards the bathroom to change into his night clothes.

______________________________

Shehryar folded his arm under his head and stared at her sleeping form with a smile on his face. She had made sure they both didn't even touch each other in their sleep that's why she was lying on the edge of the bed. But he knew what would happen next. He had spent almost six months of his life sleeping next to her on this same bed and unknown to her she had developed a habit back then. He was just waiting if she still had it or not.

He didn't have to wait for long when she rolled on the bed and rested her head in the crook of his neck in her sleep. A chuckle escaped his mouth. Some things can never change. He had denied his feelings all those years back and she was denying them now but they both know in their hearts they couldn't stay away from each other for long. He was trying his best and he was sure the ice would break soon.

He would wait for her to come around and he knew she would, that too soon.

__________________________

Alizeh was hiding her flushed face from him. The way she found herself all over him in the morning had left her very much embarrassed and angry on herself. He hadn't said anything, but a smile constantly adored his face making her some more upset if it was possible.

It wasn't like she slept hugging a stranger. He was her husband after all but their situation was making things quite tough for her. She made a face at her own musings and got up fiddling with the corner of her shirt. She had to contemplate on joining Shehryar's office and then visit her mother who was back in Lahore on her insistence. She hadn't called Mehar since the time she came to Hussain residence. Picking up her purse she came towards the door when Shehryar walked in holding a file. Alizeh didn't look and tried walking past him when he stopped her.

"You are avoiding me."

"What? No. I'm not."

"Then why you are running away?"

"I'm not running away! I'm going to see Amma. And why would I ignore you? It's not like I'm afraid of you or something."

He smirked as he exactly knew what was bothering her. But he could do nothing about it. He was her husband and she could hug him whenever she wanted. He had no problems regarding this.

"Now why are you smiling?"

She asked irked.

"Nothing. Come on. Let me drop you there."

"No."

She stated, confusing him.

"And why?"

"As if you don't know."

He looked away realizing what she was hinting at. Mehar Yousaf wasn't fond of her son in law and he himself was responsible for this equation between the two of them.

"So it's better I go alone."

"It's okay. Take driver along. Don't use public transport."

She wanted to protest but she knew he wouldn't budge. Giving a slight node she left from there.

_____________

Imad left Shehryar's cabin after noting down the changes he was asking for in the designing department. Apparently Shehryar wanted a new head designer and had someone in his mind for the job which was totally out of Imad's understanding. The head designer, Sasha was doing a good job then why Shehryar wanted someone else along with her? Their company never had two heads for a department then why now?

Imad shook his head as some times understanding Shehryar wasn't his cup of tea. His phone rang and the name flashing on the screen made him nervous and excited both at the same time.

"Hello, Imad."

He closed the door of his cabin and sat down on the chair feeling on top of the world. Samia Hussain was calling him?

"Hello Ma'am! How are you?"

"I'm fine. Actually I visited the orphanage again today. I'm feeling so good after meeting them. So I thought of calling you to..."

"To?"

"To thank you for introducing me to this place. Thank you for everything."

He smiled feeling her happiness from her voice. He was glad he could do this for her.

"You don't have to. You added the orphanage in your charity fund. you are thinking about the children and their well being. I should be the one thanking you not the other way round."

"No. As I have said before I'm happy to be part of their lives. Be a part of this noble cause. But still I would thank only you, Imad."

"Then I should also tell you I'm not a person who would accept a mere thanks."

"Then what?"

"A coffee today?"

Samia chuckled at his nervousness while Imad scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"Why not but you'll have to stop calling me ma'am! Call me Samia."

"Oh...Okay Ma...I mean Samia."

"Yup! Samia! Khuda Hafiz, Imad. See you in the evening."

She cut the call not realizing how she had made his day.

____________________

Alizeh got out of the car holding her bag on her shoulder. Her mother and aunt both had inquired about her life at Hussain residence and she didn't have to lie this time. She had assured both of them things were slowly getting better. It wasn't like she was ready to forgive Shehryar and start afresh but he was trying and this was something she should appreciate. Mehar was relieved to know this. Unknown to Alizeh, she was in touch with Rodaba and after coming to know about the latest happenings and both were quite hopeful things were going right way.

Alizeh knocked at his cabin door grumpily and wouldn't have to wait for long as he had called her in the very next second. She entered inside and found a woman standing close to his table with a frown on her face.

"So here she is."

Shehryar said in his serious businessman style.

"This is Alizeh, the new head designer who will join you from tomorrow. I hope you have no problems regarding this."

The woman rolled her eyes at Alizeh and shook her head.

"No. Not at all Mr Hussain."

"Good then. Now you can leave Sasha."

Sasha gave a last angry glare to Alizeh and left the place. Alizeh could sense what had happened here. Taking a deep breath she came close to his chair.

"How's auntie and Miss Sabeen?"

"They are good but right now I want to talk about something else."

"What it is?"

He had left his seat and was now standing close to her.

"I can't accept this position."

"Which position?"

"Position of head designer here."

He folded his arm on his chest and raised his eye brows.

"And why?"

"Look, Shehryar. I know you want me to work here but this is not the right way. Just because I'm your wife doesn't mean I'll use it in my favour if you know what I'm saying."

"I don't know what you are saying."

"Come on! That girl Sasha! She is your head designer here. Totally eligible for this post. And I'm not. I lack experience and I don't have a degree from a reputed fashion school. I don't deserve what you are offering."

"Alizeh.."

He cupped her face feeling bad for what she had said. For him she was perfect. He had seen how dedicated she was towards her studies back in their university time. He knew under what circumstances she had to leave it in between. He had a clue she had completed her degree from some fashion designing institute. He had seen this in her CV last time she worked here and he didn't feel good about it. If things were fine between them she wouldn't have to leave university here in Lahore.

"It's not your fault you know that! If I..."

"No. It's not your fault either. You wanted to help and I refused. We had a huge fight over this issue I remember. I'm not digging in the past. It's gone and we can't change it. The thing is I'm not suitable for such an important post here. I can't accept it."

"But you worked here as a head designer last time."

"I worked from my company which has a reputation and standard very much low than yours. I was suitable there not here."

He closed his eyes feeling helpless. She looked at his face. He was responsible for so many things that happened in the past but not about this matter. It was her decision as a whole.

"You don't have to feel guilty about it. You were not responsible for this. Now, The thing is Mr Shehryar Hussain if you want me to work here I will be a junior designer only otherwise I have my documents and resume with me."

She pointed towards the file in her hand.

"I'll apply somewhere else."

"You will not!"

He said sternly.

"Junior designer it is? All right as you wish!"

She flashed him a smile and turned to leave not giving him a chance to say anything further.

______________________

First day at his office went well. Sasha was more than happy to know the new designer had herself backed out from taking the head designer seat and instead chose to be a junior on the team. She was curious to know why Shehryar had decided this in first place. His business acumen was something they were all praises for. He was a strict employer and knew how to bring out the best in his people but why he was doing something like this for that girl? Sasha couldn't understand but this made Alizeh worried. She didn't want the people in his office to know about her being his wife. Things would get awkward and she didn't want that.

Right now she was having the same argue with Shehryar while going back home.

"Why I can't tell them? It won't change anything. You are my wife and I'm more than happy to let the people in office know this."

"You won't! I'm warning you. Your staff will act all awkward in front of me. I don't want any special treatment."

"But Alizeh..."

He was about to say more when her phone rang. She picked up the call while he concentrated back on driving.

"Yes Amma?..."

She pushed back a lock behind her ears listening to her mother intently.

"Why you didn't tell me before. No!...Don't go alone. I'm just coming."

Her mother was saying something on the phone. She Hummed and cut the call.

"Can you please take me to a nearby medical store? I need to buy Amma's medicines."

He nodded turning the car back to main road.

_________________________

Alizeh picked up the packet containing the said medicines and checked them again. Shehryar was outside the store waiting for her. She opened her purse to pay for the bill when the man smiled politely.

"No need ma'am. The payment has already been done."

"Done? But how?"

"Actually your husband ..."

She rolled her eyes and nodding at him and came out.

"Who gave you a right to take my responsibilities?"

She charged on him standing close to the car.

"Do I look stupid to you Alizeh? I saw you making calculations that which medicines you can buy and which you would be after getting your first pay."

"So? I don't have enough money it doesn't mean I need yours!"

"I wasn't trying to give you my money Alizeh. For me all this yours is yours, mine is mine business has already been finished. What is mine is yours too and what is yours is mine. Be it responsibilities or duties."

She couldn't blink her eyes. He was never this mindful regarding her family in the past. But she could see he was trying to do everything he couldn't earlier due to his ignorance.

"I want to share your responsibilities, Alizeh. Like you did for me all these year before. Please!"

She nodded slowly and opened the door.

"We...have to give these to Amma so ..."

He smiled sensing success. She had accepted his help and was willing to take him to meet her mother. It was a positive sign he knew.

________________

Mehar was surprised to find Shehryar at her doorstep. She had called Alizeh as everything related to her medical checkups was handled by Alizeh only. But she hadn't thought Alizeh would take him along.

"Here, Amma."

Alizeh handed her the brown packet when she nodded and invited them inside. Shehryar was here after five long years. The last time he visited this place was when he came here to make Alizeh meet her Mother and ask for her forgiveness. After that he was so stuck up with his life that he couldn't find any time to spend on his in laws.

"Come inside, you both."

Mehar left the door and made way for them. Sabeen who was reading something on the newspaper looked up and rolled her eyes finding Shehryar along with Alizeh.

"Amma, next time tell me beforehand. Now have your dinner and take these medicines as well."

Mehar smiled and nodded softly. Her eyes went towards Shehryar.

"I hope my arrival here is not making things rough, auntie."

"No, not at all. You are always welcome here. Well you were in the past too despite all the differences we had."

"I'm sorry for that."

Mehar nodded sadly.

"Whatever happened is the past I can't change it but I'm trying to make everything all right."

"I know. That's why I gave you another chance with Alizeh. You guys are working on your marriage and this is everything for me. But my only question is why now Shehryar? Why after so long? Had you showed this desperation of having Alizeh back to your life few years back your and Alizeh's life wouldn't be this messed up. That time you just gave up on her. She came to me to Sakardu and forget coming to Sakardu you didn't even come here at our apartment once to even talk to her. Were you this tired of her?"

Alizeh averted her gaze from him to hide her tears. In all this, the thing which pained her the most was what he mother talking about. He gave up on her so soon without even trying to solve the issues between them.

Shehryar looked at Sabeen with shock written on his face while Sabeen just shrugged her shoulders.

"You think I never came to bring Alizeh back?"

He asked turning to Mehar.

"This is not true. I came here almost four times after Alizeh left. I asked Miss Sabeen many times to at least give me the address where you and Alizeh were staying but she never ever listened to me. All She did was telling me how tired Alizeh was of me and my family and how she would never like to even see my face again."

Alizeh gave a shocking yet accusing look to her aunt who was not even a bit guilty of what she did.

"Sabeen..."

Mehar couldn't believe this. She remembered how devastated Alizeh was on realizing Shehryar never did any efforts to bring her back to his life. This fact was the sole reason she never looked back and never wished to go back to his life.

"What Mehar? I was always against this marriage. They both married not even realizing how this will ruin their family's reputation. Then they had so many issues with each other and at last it happened which I always knew would happen. They parted their ways. It was destined to happen this way. I just did what I thought was best for Alizeh!"

"Best? Have you lost your mind! Do you have a slightest idea what have you done? Just because of this misunderstanding I never let Alizeh even consider the idea of going back to her husband. Alizeh was so pained to realize her husband isn't trying anything to find her! And this is your reason?!"

Sabeen didn't know what to say in reply. She couldn't defend herself knowing well now she didn't do right but her ego won't let to her accept it. Without even saying anything she turned and left.

Mehar glanced at her retreating back and slumped down on Sofa. Alizeh was by her side in no time.

"Amma. Let bygones be bygones. Don't feel sad. We can't change anything. We both had already strained our relation so much that auntie was compelled to think this way. Don't worry about this please."

Mehar nodded sadly. She looked up at both of them and stood up.

"I can't believe Sabeen could think this way. But you are right, Alizeh. We can't change anything. Just keep on working on your relation. I can't say anything else."

Alizeh wiped her tears.

"Don't worry. Everything will be okay."

Shehryar walked to them when Alizeh picked up her purse from the sofa telling him silently they were leaving.

"May Allah bless you both."

Alizeh hugged her mother and telling her to take care came out of the house followed by Shehryar. He opened the car door for her and taking the driver's seat and drove away.

__________________________

Alizeh glanced at Shehryar for the umpteenth time while he drove smoothly on Lahore roads.

"What?"

He was watching her from the corner of his eyes and could see she wanted to ask something but was hesitating.

"Nothing."

"Come on. Tell me right now."

She looked here and there and whispered softly.

"Were you really thinking of taking me back? That's why you were visiting my house?"

He took a deep breath.

"To be honest yes and no at the same time. I wanted to talk to you once. I was regretting what I said to you in anger. But you know my temper don't you? When Sabeen auntie continuously told me how tired you were of me I just gave up. I decided to give you the time. If you wanted to come back you would. And that's how I never looked back again."