"He did what?"

Shehryar reached Samia who was biting her nails in nervousness.

"Imad proposed me, Shehri!"

Alizeh pushed him aside knowing too well the protective brother in him would mess things up.

"That's amazing Samia, When?"

"What's so amazing about it?"

Alizeh took a deep breath and turned to Shehryar who was looking at her with a raised eye brow.

"Imad and Samia are good friends and on top Imad is in love with her. It is enough for you? Then let me talk to her!"

"Imad is in love with her? How do you know? What is happening here?"

"Shehri! Alizeh! What's this noise is about?"

Mrs Naseem and Rodaba both entered inside together hearing Shehryar's whining.

"I need to talk to you all now."

Samia looked at them and narrated the whole incident which happened just an hour ago.

Samia had found a friend in Imad who wasn't there in her life before. He became her solace. She had started sharing her deepest thoughts and darkest fears with him and he, being the amazingly sorted person that he was always gave her the best advice on what she should do and what she shouldn't. But today he completely shocked her by proposing her in his own simple way. He had told her how he was in love with her from the very first time he had seen her shortly after joining her brother's company. She was nervous and shocked both at the same time. She had no clue what to do. Give this a try or just leave it all and never try with this marriage thing again. Last time she took things in her hand and had married Imran even after knowing her father wasn't very fond of him. And she paid for her mistake. This time she had decided to discuss this with her family and she would do what they would ask her to do.

"I'm very much happy with this proposal."

Rodaba was the first one to comment after listening to the whole thing. Mrs Naseem nodded. Alizeh was already excited to know this new progress but only person in the room who wasn't satisfied still was Shehryar. But he hadn't said anything.

"Samia Aapa."

Alizeh saw the creases on Samia's forehead and reached her side.

"Look at me. I know you are feeling confused at the turns of event but trust me, This is for the best. Aapa, life never burdens someone more than their endurance level. You lose something and Allah is giving you something much better than this. The only thing we should do is not letting go of these chances life is throwing in our way."

Alizeh paused and looked at her husband who also was listening to her keenly. Giving him a knowing look she again turned to Samia.

"I know you are afraid to try all this again but Imad really loves you. Don't let go of this chance of getting back your happiness. Look at me and Shehryar. We both grasped the chance life gave us to make it all right and see. It's working amazingly so far. Same will happen to you. Imran never loved you instead all he did was breaking you. Sending Imad to your life is Allah's way of giving you the due happiness you deserve. I have experienced living alone, Aapa. And trust me it's not a pleasant feeling. I remember many times I used to crave for a shoulder to cry on. You need someone who can share your burden. Who can smile with you in your happiness and who can wipe your tears in your sorrows. Don't you think you deserve someone who will do all this for you?"

Samia nodded slowly. She was tired of living like this.

"Then what to fear? Just hold his hand! Let go of the past! Happiness is knocking at your door."

Samia wiped her tears and hugged Alizeh tight. Shehryar got up and came close to them.

"I'm sorry, Aapa. I reacted quite stupidly. I was shocked at what you told us. I never knew Imad was interested in you. But after listening to Alizeh I have no problem with this proposal at all. But one thing. The decision will be yours. You'll marry Imad only if you want to."

Samia cupped his face.

"I just need some time to think things through, Shehri. I'll let you guys know soon. And Also don't be hard on Imad. He is my best friend. And he is a true gentleman. Just because he proposed your sister doesn't mean you'll go all typical Shehryar Hussain on him."

Whole family chuckled while Shehryar also couldn't stop the smile tugging at his lips. Nodding at her he held her from her shoulders and all made their way towards the dining hall.

_________________________

"What are you thinking?"

Alizeh asked resting her head on his pillow. It was almost midnight and she had realized he wasn't asleep yet. He looked down at her and gathered her in arms which left her pleasantly surprised.

"I was thinking will I ever be able to thank Allah for sending you to my life?"

She smiled resting her face on his chest.

"The way you understood what Aapa was going through and showed her the right way. I think I could never be able to do this Alizeh. I was shocked to know about all this but now I'm okay with it. I know this guy from some 5 years now and he had always been nothing but fine. He will keep Aapa happy but if only she lets him."

"She will. Samia is also tired of all this, Shehryar. She doesn't let anyone know show this by her actions but she is craving for someone to love and cherish her for a lifetime. She'll definitely gonna say a yes!"

He nodded and pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. Pecking her head he closed his eyes feeling contented like never before.

_____________________________

The coming days told them how right Alizeh was. Samia had said a yes to this proposal and Shehryar had invited Imad to dinner so that he could get introduced to their family. Before that Shehryar had met Imad in his office as well and asked him about his equation with Samia and this time around too, Shehryar had to praise his wife as she was again absolutely right. Imad was hopelessly in love with Samia and was not even a bit like Imran. It made all this easy for Shehryar too.

Few more occasional meeting between Imad and Hussains and they were set to marry Samia off with him. They were planning a lavish wedding but both Imad and Samia wanted just a simple marriage followed by a reception. And right now the Hussain family was preparing for the same.

Alizeh was busy talking to the designers over the phone when her annoyed and somewhat angry husband entered the room.

"No, Zoha! Do the boarders as I have told you. Don't overdo anything. Aapa wants the wedding dress to be elegant but simple."

Alizeh laughed at something Zoha had said on the other hand and bidding her a bye cut the call. She turned around when he held her in her place.

"What?!"

Her confused expressions made him chuckle but he hid his smile under his annoyed expressions.

"Alizeh, aren't you forgetting you have a husband whom you are neglecting royally?"

She smiled and wound her arms around his neck.

"Mr Husband, How can I forget you? But the thing is the responsibility of all the wedding outfits is on me and I have to give my best as its our family function!"

He made a face when she laughed seeing his expressions.

"You know Nemrah called today. She was telling me how Daim is insisting either she leaves the hospital or he can leave his office. With both of them working it is not easy to take time out for each other. I guess you all husbands are alike."

Alizeh shook her head opening the closet.

"Well I also got a call from Daim a week back and you know what he was saying? How lucky I'm that my wife works at the same place as me. But the truth only I know."

Coming close to him Alizeh cupped his face and the next moment kissed him right on his lips making him stumble but he immediately strengthened himself and held her from her waist. After like eternity they broke apart when she whispered slowly.

"Now, stop with your rant. Will You?"

"You will be the death of me someday."

"I'm not that lethal. Yet."

He raised an eye brow and then chuckled following her outside.

_________________

The wedding day was here. The whole Hussain Mansion was buzzing with activity. The living area was decorated and right now the bride and groom were seated after the Nikkah.

Shehryar smiled at his sister and Imad as both were stealing glances at each other.

"They both make such a beautiful couple."

Alizeh held his arm excitedly when he gazed at her. All the evening his wife had made taking his eyes and hands off her quite difficult. Dressed in the white and pink lehanga she was a sight to behold.

Alizeh giggled seeing Samia nervously putting her hand in Imad's when she felt Shehryar was still looking at her intently.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing. I'm staring at my wife. Can anyone stop me?"

She shook her head blushing at the comment.

"You are unbelievable. Stop with all this and just look at how happy Samia is. And why wouldn't she? It is the most important day of her life."

Shehryar looked in her direction and couldn't deny the fact. His Aapa was literally glowing with the happiness on getting someone who loves her unconditionally.

"You know what Shehryar? No matter how strong and Independent a woman is, but she can't help feeling nervous, jittery and confuse on this special day. The most important day in a woman's life. Where she welcomes a new person in her life around whom she weaves all her dreams. No matter what nothing can change this fact ever."

She wasn't even blinking while explaining this to him. And it pained him. No matter how happy they both were, still he couldn't ever forget her dream of having a normal life was broken back then when they had to marry under those unpleasant circumstances. He held her hand when she looked up at him. Cupping her face lightly he pulled her closer and dropped a kiss on her forehead. A promising kiss. She closed her eyes. A smile tugging at her lips.

She pulled him towards the newly wedded couple to congratulate them.

Samia's sending off was a teary event but their hearts were contented that finally her life got its happy ever after. She was going to her home. Imad had purchased a new apartment for both of them and both were equally excited to start their life in their own paradise.

Allah had opened the door of happiness for Hussain Family.

____________

Alizeh checked herself in the mirror giggling all the way. Today was Samia's reception and she had specially selected this dress for the evening. Shehryar had no clue about it and she knew seeing her tonight her husband was going to get a shock. After all her and red wasn't a combination he could take lightly.

"Alizeh where is my Tie!"

He came out of the dressing room all frustrated when his eyes fell on her who was standing in front of him with a raised eye brow as if asking him if he was clean bowled.

The red dress was complementing her and was hugging her figure in all the right places.

She chuckled and walked to him.

"Here."

Bending down she picked his tie from the recliner when he spun her around.

"Let's skip this function."

"And why so?"

She asked looking right in his eyes.

"As if you don't know. I'm telling you don't play with fire, Alizeh. You'll end up in ashes!"

She traced his jawline with her finger and pulled him from his nape.

"And If I say I want to be turned into ashes then?"

He gulped seeing this side of her. It was surprising but he loved it. He opened his mouth to say something when the door was knocked.

"Sir, Rodaba ma'am is calling you downstairs."

Farhat's voice hit their ears.

"Tell her we are coming."

He said and picking up the tie stood in front of the mirror while Alizeh combed her long tresses and left them open. Picking up her clutch she walked towards the door when he called her.

"Alizeh!"

She turned seeing him wearing his coat now.

"We are not done yet."

She blushed and walked out of there smiling.

____________________________

The reception function was in full swing. Being the host, Alizeh was attending the guests along with Shehryar. But the heated stares her husband was giving were making her cheeks red with so much blushing. She had herself put both of them in this state showing her bold side to him and she knew tonight she won't have it easy.

And who said she wanted easy anyway? The normalcy in their life and the changed equation between her and his family had put their minds to some rest. Both of them had started giving each other the necessary attention. And this told them the fire was still same. The problems in life had made them forget it all but now it was back and was ten folds greater.

"Why are you smiling to yourself, Alizeh?"

Nemrah nudged her from elbow.

"Must be thinking about her lover boy! See how he is looking at her."

Laiba chuckled.

"I just love these love birds. You know after marriage things get a bit less exciting due to the fact that now you see each other every time not like before but still the passion between you two is quite obvious since the very beginning."

Areej commented. She had just delivered her baby boy and was always complaining how Ahmed was no longer that attentive towards her he once was but truth was opposite to this, she also knew. Ahmed was a loving husband and a wonderful father. Just for the sake of argument she used to blame him for being less romantic but he was hopelessly in love with her the whole world knew.

"By the way Alizeh! You never gave us details how it went between you two? I mean the whole patch up thing after Daim and Nemrah's marriage."

Tahreem asked excitedly making Alizeh nervous.

"Umm... I don't have anything to tell. We were busy in solving the family issues. So ..."

"It's okay. The good thing is the baggage of past and broken relations is off your and Shehryar's shoulders. Now you can give ample of time to each other."

Laiba gave an encouraging smile to Alizeh at the same time glared at Tahreem for never using her mind and always using her tongue.

"Okay! I'm sorry! It's just I wanted to know the details you see. Confession! Dinner dates, Long drives, some steamy encounters!"

Alizeh widened her eyes realizing they had never done anything Tahreem mentioned just now.

"Confession..."

Alizeh muttered not knowing it was said out loud.

"What? You mean you guys never confessed?"

Tahreem was shocked and couldn't see the angry glares she was getting from rest of her friends.

"This ain't done! You are a girl but Shehryar is really hopeless! I can't believe dude hasn't done this!"

"Alizeh, you two haven't confessed?"

Laiba asked surprised.

"No."

Alizeh replied in a meek voice. She couldn't believe they both hadn't said those three famous words to each other.

They should've. Since so long.

She knew for her it was easy. She had to problem in stating this to him. But he was an other case. Voicing out his feelings just like that wasn't something he was good at. Also he would think of it as cheesy. But she wanted to hear it from him so she would have to make him confess. Somehow.

"Guys, I'll be back shortly."

She hid her smug expressions and walked out of there. A plan was forming in her mind.

_____________________

Night

The function came to an end making Shehryar sigh in relief. He was never a fan of gatherings but tonight was special. Samia and Imad were staying the night here in Hussain mansion as per the ritual. They had just retired to their room after the tiresome ceremony.

Smiling all the way Shehryar climbed the stairs and reached his room. His wife was another reason he wanted this party to get over as soon as possible. The woman had left him very much bothered by her gestures and now he would show her why he said she was playing with fire here.

But opening the door the sight which welcomed him left him shocked. She was packing all her stuff in a suite case making his heart drop.

"Alizeh? What the hell are you doing?"

"Can't you see? I'm packing my things!"

"And may I know why?"

"Why we pack our stuff? I'm going to my mother's place."

"What the fuck!"

"Don't swear Mr Hussain. And move aside!"

She pushed him when he held her from her wrist and pulled her towards him.

"Alizeh, if it is some kind of joke then let me tell you I really don't like it!"

"For your information I don't like you! And this isn't a joke! I'm going for real."

"But why? Why so suddenly? Everything was okay few hours back."

"Rodaba auntie had had told me if I'm not happy in this relation I can go whenever I want. I'm doing the same."

"What? Are you out of your mind, woman? What has happened to you all of a sudden? Weren't we happy? Wasn't you happy in this marriage?"

"Give me one good reason to stay and I will never think of going."

"Alizeh.."

"One good reason."

She emphasized on every word. He released a shaky breath and held her hand.

"I need you in my life!"

"Not convincing enough! Something else!"

He gave her a shocked look.

"Our families..."

"Don't even talk about them. It's about you and me only!"

"What are you trying to do!"

"Asking for a reason!"

"This is insane! Reason Reason Reason? What reason should I give you? I need you in my life. Can't you see I can't live without you? Without you my life has no meaning. Because, I freaking love you!"

She stared at his face for a second and then grinned brightly, surprising him.

"Finally! What I do with you? It's so hard to make you blurt out something."

He was looking at her speechless when she grabbed him from his neck and smiled.

"I love you too, by the way."

"You were kidding? It was a whole set up to make me confess?"

She had sensed the hidden threat in his voice. Gulping she nodded when he rolled his eyes.

"I can't believe you. You did ...Do you know how worried I was? I thought you'll leave me!"

She hugged him which instantly made him relax.

"I'm sorry Shehryar. But what to do? You can show all your concern and care but can't you just tell me once you are in love with me? I know it didn't occur to me but I have no problem telling you those words. I love you. But knowing you I was sure you'll go all nonchalant about it. I wanted you to say this to me. I had to do this to make you confess. I'm sorry. Not really. But I'm."

He pulled back from the hug with a soft expression on his face.

"Never ever even think of leaving me. Never."

She nodded knowing too well she also wouldn't be able to do it. A life without him wasn't possible anymore.

"But for pulling out this stunt you deserve some punishment."

She gaped at him with fear written over her face. Before she could do anything he picked up her in his arms as if she was a feather. Dropping her on the bed he got rid of his shoes and coat. She tried getting up on her elbows when he pushed her again making her giggle but soon her laughter was changed to sighs as he took her lips in a passionate kiss. She wound her arms around his neck when she couldn't hold back anymore as he moved further down. She had never seen this passionate side of his before and she loved it.