Alizeh made a face remembering what he had said to her few minutes back and entered the room with a blanket in her hands. He had worn his shirt and was now talking on phone with Imad for sure, giving him instructions about a new deal. So much for not sleeping with a coffee stained shirt hun?

She silently placed the blanket on the bed, tied her hair in a loose bun and lay down on it closing her eyes. He finished the call and turning around couldn't stop a chuckle from escaping his lips. She was angry with him on what he said earlier. But that was just to rile her up. She might act all strong and mature now but her innocence was intact. She was still like a child who had no control over her emotions.

Smiling he sat down on the bed when she made some space between them.

"Let me sleep! I don't want to talk to you right now."

"What?"

He could only utter this when she turned and switched off the bed side lamp making it difficult for him to control his laugh.

Leaning towards her he whispered softly.

"Then you say we can't act like husband and wife. You are doing exactly the same now, Mrs Hussain. Showing me your anger. I don't mind though. I just want to say whatever I said earlier was just to tease you. You are still the same innocent Alizeh to me who had made my university days full of fun and laughter. It's just I miss the old us. As I'm biased towards that time for reasons I also don't know."

He finished and kissed her temple softly.

"Good night, wife."

She closed her eyes feeling breathless all of a sudden.

This man would never cease to amaze her. First, he was trying everything possible to mend his relation with her mother. She couldn't stop admiring him when he was trying to make a conversation with Mehar at dinner. And now this? This man would break her strong determination with all this. And she didn't hate this fact.

Not at all.

_________________________________

Next Morning

They had straight gone to office from the apartment. Shehryar had an important meeting scheduled and Alizeh had to report to Sasha as they were working on the upcoming winter collection.

He directly went to the conference hall while Alizeh reached her work station which was adjacent to Sasha's. She knew Sasha wasn't very fond of her. The girl had seen how Shehryar had his eyes just for Alizeh and this irked her to no extent. The office staff didn't know about Shehryar and Alizeh's marital status yet but slowly they were speculating things all thanks to Mr Hussain and his special treatment towards his employee who, unknown to them was his wife.

Alizeh had been working with Shehryar for the second time in her life and just like their university days here too, he was famous among ladies. She would often see Sasha and many other female employees taking special care of their appearances if they had to report to him about any matter in the office. And this irked her. Whatever the equation between them was but he was her husband for God's sake. But she herself had asked him to keep their relation a secret and he obliged reluctantly. Now face the consequences Mrs. Hussain!

She shook her head and got up to see where the hell was Sasha so they could discuss the designs with Shehryar after he is done with the meeting. She checked Sasha's cabin but the woman was nowhere to be seen.

Alizeh frowned and started walking towards the cafeteria when she stopped in her tracks hearing voices from the conference hall. Sasha was inside? But wasn't a meeting going on there?

She peeked inside and the sight made her cringe like never before.

Sasha was showing Shehryar the designs with a sweet smile on her face. He was engrossed in the file not noticing the dreamy expression settled on Sasha's face.

"They all are nice. But I loved the third one. Add it in those we have for showstopper."

"Yes sir."

Sasha tucked a flick of hair behind her ear and took the file from him. He was seated on the chair when she tripped and landed on him.

Right on him.

Alizeh could swear Sasha did it intentionally.

"I'm sorry sir."

Sasha mumbled and got up. Alizeh immediately opened the door and took long strides towards them.

"Miss Yousaf, what are you doing here? And don't you know knocking at the door before entering is a part of basic etiquette."

Alizeh wanted to retort back when Shehryar stood in between them.

"Sasha, Alizeh can enter the way she wants. You shouldn't tell her what to do. Now go. I think your work is done here."

Sasha was surprised to find his tone a bit harsh but chose to stay silent. Giving an angry glare to Alizeh she took hurried steps and was out of the room.

"What she was doing here?"

Alizeh asked in an irritated tone.

"What? She is the head designer and was showing me the designs for upcoming fashion week."

"But weren't you supposed to attend a conference here?"

"The meeting has been delayed Alizeh! What has happened? why are you so angry?"

"I'm not angry!"

She looked here and there knowing well he had caught her visibly seething with anger seeing Sasha close to him.

"Are you by any chance jealous?"

She narrowed her eyes.

"I'm not!"

"Don't lie. You don't like it when Sasha comes close to me? Right? Scratch Sasha, whenever any woman tries coming close to me you don't like it."

"It's not like that."

"Admit it Alizeh. It is like this only."

She pushed him away and took a sharp breath.

"So? Does it make any difference? You have always been an eye candy among ladies. Be it university or here in office. Quite a female fan following you have got. If I'm affected or not you shouldn't be bothered. But can't you see she's interested in you? Never mind! I'm out."

She turned to leave when he spun her around holding her wrist gently.

"So much lack of belief in your husband and his feelings hun?"

She couldn't say anything. She knew it was her frustration which spoke on her behalf. She was well aware that he was never the one to enjoy the attention from other women no matter how many issues he had with his wife.

"Listen to me carefully now. She's interested in me or not that's her issue not mine. It was always you. Always have been and always will be. Before you came into my life I had few attachments here and there which ended before they even got started. And it was nothing serious. Casual dating. But then you happened. It was different with you. You were my friend. A close one, Alizeh. And the night at my farm house. That was the first time I touched someone like that. What havoc our life went through after that, I don't have to tell you but even after you were gone from my life no one was allowed to even come close to me. I was a horrible husband I know but I'm a one woman man? Enjoying attention from anyone other than my own woman? That's not me Alizeh. You know me that well don't you?"

He shook his head and left her arm feeling low knowing she was not sure about this. But he could barely took two steps when she held his coat from behind.

He turned around and found her eyes welled up.

"I'm sorry! I was just ..."

She took a deep breath.

"You are right I was feeling jealous and angry and I couldn't stop myself from lashing on you. I don't know what comes over me when I see these woman eyeing you. I just....Okay...I'm sorry Shehryar..."

She pouted with teary eyes when he could feel his control slipping from his hand. She was much affected on seeing someone trying to come close to him. He smiled and the next moment she was backed against the wall.

"Sheh..."

Her words stopped in her throat as his lips crashed on hers. She was shocked and didn't know how to react but her heart knew she wanted this as much as him. In few seconds she clutched his collar and kissed him back with equal passion. His kiss was telling her it was just her. It was always only her.

His hand landed on her waist pulling her even closer. She moaned in his mouth when his lips moved into perfect sync over hers. It was different. It was raw and passionate. Like never before.

They broke the kiss when both were breathless. Alizeh left his collar and looked at his face.

"Next time if you ever doubted on what we have between us consequences would be much more than this."

She blushed furiously and ran from the conference hall making him smile too.

_____________________________

Sasha couldn't believe what she had seen. Shehryar was kissing that Alizeh Yousaf? What the hell was that? She was always curious to know why he was so much inclined towards Alizeh which was opposite to his nature. She had heard few stories about them. Many of her colleagues believed they both were an item. But she always brushed all these speculation about Alizeh and Shehryar off. Alizeh wasn't someone Shehryar would like to have as a girlfriend. He was a man with class and Alizeh was nowhere close to his standard. But now she was furious. Since last six months during her stay at this office, He had become her dream man and she was trying her luck way too much but the conference hall scene today had made her lose her mind.

She would show that Alizeh her place.

_____________________

Alizeh couldn't stop the smile on her face all day. She had never seen this coming but these days nothing seemed in her hands. Her heart was taking liberties with Shehryar and she was surprised to know she didn't mind it at all.

Getting up from her chair she picked up her files and left her cabin. The office hours were about to finish and everyone else was also packing up to leave. She was passing by the work stations of her colleagues when she felt all of them were giving her weird looks. She frowned and came to canteen to have her evening tea but the canteen guy too was looking at her as if she had something terribly wrong. What was with this staff? Why they were all acting weird?"

Alizeh hugged her shoulders. She was waiting for the driver who was off to drop Samia somewhere. Shehryar was busy in a meeting with the sponsors of their upcoming fashion week. She was tired after all the work and couldn't wait for him to get free so that they could go home together. She had called the driver who would be here in half an hour.

She was lost in her thoughts when two guys took the table close by and to her surprise smirked at her.

Alizeh could sense something was wrong. Getting up, she walked swiftly as their gazes were making her uncomfortable. She was on her way towards the exit when Sarah, her friend here held her arm and took her to her the side.

"What has happened Sarah?"

"Did you see this?"

She pushed her I Pad in Alizeh's hand. Alizeh could feel her head spinning seeing her and Shehryar's conference room encounter playing on it.

"What is this?"

Sarah asked frowning.

"Who sent this to you?"

"Apparently, it's Sasha who has sent this video to everyone on their Whatsapp. But tell me honestly are you and Shehryar sir...?"

"Yeah, Alizeh. Tell her."

Alizeh turned around hearing a voice dipped in mock and found Sasha standing there with her arms folded on her chest with a smile on her face. All heads were turned towards them and Alizeh just wanted to run away from there. That time she realized how right Shehryar was. They shouldn't have hid their marital status.

"Speak up. Tell them what your true colors are behind this innocent face. Guys, let's appreciate the skills of this girl. I'm impressed."

Alizeh couldn't say anything. This was way too much for her to handle.

"What the hell is going on here?"

A voice boomed making all the heads turn towards the stairs where Shehryar was standing. He came close to where Alizeh and Sasha were when his eyes fell on Sarah's I pad.

"What?"

Sarah didn't say a word and handed it to him. His expressions changed from confused to furious in no time.

"Who did this?"

He asked in a menacing voice.

Sarah pointed towards Sasha earning a glare from her.

"Yes I did it. I wanted to show the real Alizeh Yousaf to everyone."

Sasha came forward gathering some courage. Shehryar gave an accusing look to Alizeh. Just because of her stupid idea people were pointing fingers at her but took Alizeh's hand in his anyway.

"I can sue you for making false stories regarding my wife. And I will surely do this."

Many gasps could be heard in the silent ambience of the office.

"You heard it right. Alizeh is my wife. Mrs Shehryar Hussain. And I don't think a husband and wife need anyone's permission to spend time together or are answerable to anyone."

He turned to Sasha again.

"As far as you are concerned Miss Sasha. You are fired! And the stunt you've pulled today is not going to do any good for you. Get out of this office and I'll see who would appoint you."

Colour literally drained off her face.

"You can't do this! It was a mistake."

"Trying to mar someone's reputation intentionally is never a mistake. Even if Alizeh wasn't my wife you had no right to do what you did."

He said in a low dangerous voice. Alizeh's eyed widened seeing his angry form. He could be worse when pushed beyond his limit.

Glaring at Sasha one last time, his hold on Alizeh's hand tightened and the next moment he left from there following by a nervous Alizeh.

_____________________

Alizeh glanced at his angry face and gulped. He hadn't said anything during the ride back home other than informing Imad to reschedule the meeting with sponsors tomorrow and also instructing him the video should be deleted off from everyone's phones as soon as possible or else they would face severe consequences. His jaws were clenched indicating he was damn pissed.

"Shehryar, stop forcing your jaws so much you'll break your teeth."

Alizeh said giving up, earning a glare from him.

"That's why I wanted them to know about us. But I never saw this coming. People could be real pathetic."

"But it's gone! Happened. So why to get angry over this?"

"There is nothing to angry about it? Seriously? You saw how they were eyeing you."

His hold on steering tightened and she could see his knuckles turning white. She pushed his hand away causing him to stop the car.

"Stop getting angry over this. It happened and it passed! You showed Sasha her place and now no one will ever question our relation. Relax now!"

He took a deep breath to calm himself. She shifted on her seat and held his arm resting her head on it.

"You felt bad?"

"A lot. I hate it when someone tries to badmouth you. I feel it's just because of me. Had I been a bit thoughtful about our relation things would be a lot better now."

Alizeh had no doubts that he regretted their past big time. She cupped his face.

"Stop thinking about the past. It's gone. It's not coming back and we can't change it. All we can do is making our preset beautiful which we are working on. So you don't have to feel sorry about the things which were not in our hands."

He nodded slowly.

"I've decided something."

"What it is?"

"With Sasha gone we need a new head designer and I can't think of anyone else other than you."

"What? No!"

"Why not? The designs Sasha showed me today are made by you only no?"

"They are! But handling such an important post...I can't!"

"Stop underestimating yourself, Alizeh! You'll do great. You'll have your own team and I know you'll work great! So just take it."

She nodded slowly making him smile.

"You are seriously something Shehryar. The day I joined your company you made your mind to make me the head designer and see how your wish got fulfilled."

He smirked and started driving back making her chuckle and shook her head.

____________________________

It had been two weeks since she joined the post of head designer. The work was not easy. Not at all. But her husband had strong belief in her determination. And after few days of learning she was now leading the winter collection with her team. Their designs were the best the company ever had and she wasn't bossy and arrogant like Sasha so it was easy to work with her with the team members. Shehryar was very much pleased with the outcome and had given her a loop side smile which clearly indicating how right he was about her and her abilities.

Her whole concentration was at work these days. She hadn't tried to do anything for her relation with Samia and Dado. She knew they both would always hold a grudge against her and she would never be able to please them so she hadn't tried it once. Her relation with Rodaba had strengthened some more. They were like mother and daughter and Shehryar would feel left out whenever they both would start chatting about random stuff.

As far as her relation with Shehryar was concerned, it was moving slowly and steadily. They were building it the way it should have always been. They were taking a new step forward with time and it was more than Shehryar ever wished for.

Soon their differences would be totally gone he was sure of it.

____________________

Imad couldn't stop himself from admiring the sight of a laughing Samia. He was telling her how mother Morgana was always behind him to get married and what he had to do to stop her every time. They were here at lake point to enjoy the cool breeze of a windy evening. He had specially taken an early leave from Shehryar not telling him he had plans with his sister. It took them just one month to turn good friends from strangers. Samia had found a mate in Imad she never had. It took her time but she had started opening up to him slowly.

"Samia."

He called her still in a daze when she looked at him.

"Hun?"

"Why you never consider the idea of marrying again?"

Samia was tongue tied. What to reply? She didn't know.

"I...don't know."

"I'm sorry if you think I'm probing but what happened in the past that took your faith in marriage and relationships?"

She had told him once she doesn't believe in marriage at all. He didn't ask her the reason that time as they were not very good friends but now since she herself had said to him many times that he was the only friend she'd got he thought of asking this.

"You are Shehryar's PA. You know everything about him. Didn't he tell you what happened to our lives some five years back?"

"I know him professionally. And to be very honest he doesn't like sharing his life with anyone. The only thing I know about him on the personal front is that he loves his family which consist of You, Your mother, Dado and yeah Alizeh Ma'am."

"Alizeh Ma'am..."

Samia chuckled sarcastically and started looking at nothing in particular. Somewhere Imad knew things were not fine between Samia and Alizeh. He had never seen them gelling with each other at all. But he decided to leave this topic here. If Samia wasn't comfortable in sharing it with him he would wait for her to open up to him.

"I was married to Imran Naveed."

Her voice reached his ears. He saw her deep in thought narrating her life to him. And Imad was all ears.

_________________________