Wearing a red suit with minimal Zari work she was sitting with down gaze, neck and ear were decorated with pretty yet light gold jewellery and wrists were full of bangles. Everyone was seeing her beauty and hearing her silence but there was someone was watching her nervousness which was peeping out through fidgeting fingers.

"Shifa" a whisper near her ear and she looked at her left side.

"Ji Deni?"

''Are you alright?" He asked in a hushed tone. They were sitting in the hall of their home, surrounded by numerous guests. Casting her gaze down one more time, Shifa nod her head silently but he already knew the art of reading her silence. "Now what's wrong?" He asked and Shifa looked up.

''Deni dar lag rha hai''

(Deni I'm scared)

"Don't worry, Ammi and Baba are very friendly." he tried to assured her with a smile but she was hell nervous after remembering what happened in the morning.

"Yes, they are." She smiled while stating the truth and Daniyal also grinned. "Deni." She whispered

"Ji?"

"I'm sleepy." She muttered while trying not to yawn in front of everyone but her eyes filled with water and eyelids started feeling heavy.

"Hmm... You must be tired." He whispered back and Shifa look at him, for two long moments she forget to blink, Daniyal was amazed to see an ocean of emotions in her eyes but he said nothing, only tried to read what she was holding in herself.

When she first time sat besides Daniyal, she was feeling irritated but now, when he's sitting besides her, she's feeling protected. Thats how their journey take place. A smile crawled to her pink coated lips but this time Daniyal was failed to read her mind.

"Aapki muskurahat ka sabab jaan sakta hu?"

(May I know the reason for your smile?)

"Kuch cheezein raaz rahe to hi achha hota hai.'' She grinned while looking away from his face

(It is good if some things remain a secret.)

"Lekin aapke baare mein ek raaz to main jaan chuka hu." Shifa looked up suddenly. She couldn't imagine Daniyal reading her mind regarding her feelings for him, it's her secret.

(But I already know a secret of yours )

"What?" She asked and he grinned one more time.

"Yahi ki aap ek nihayat hi ahmaq ladki ho."

(That you're an idiot.)

"Mujhe bhi aapka ek raaz pta hai." She rolled her eyes with his whisper and Daniyal nodded.

(I also know one of your secrets.)

"Go ahead and let me know." He grinned.

"Yahi ki aap bohot bure hain." She looked away as if she was offended with Daniyal but why she always forget that she can't beat him in these dramas?

(That you're very bad)

"Ye bhi koi raaz hai? Kuch to naya batao," He teased her making her huffed.

(Is this even a secret, tell me something new.)

"Deni aap sach mein bohot bure hain, kitna pareshan karte ha-in mu-jhe," Shifa said louder than the usual whisper but the idiot girl realised it only when she came to the end of the sentence. All the eyes were fixed on both of them.

(Deni, you are really very bad, how much you ann-oy me.)

"Ye mene kya kra!" She literally palmed her face and fake cried but all the guests present around her laughted hard

(What the hell I've done?)

"Haina... Main to khud yahi kehti hu, Daniyal bohot pareshan karte hain." Mrs Kazmi asked Shifa, and she lightly laughed but felt hesitate too. "Lekin hamare sahabzaade bure nahi hai." Mrs Kazmi added while pulling Daniyal's ear lightly but Shifa fake cried. She didn't understand the meaning of Sahabzaade.

(Yeah, I also have to Admit, sometimes Daniyal is a trouble maker.)

(But my son is not bad)

"Ammi leave it." Daniyal demanded as his ear was still in his mother's grip.

"Daniyal Agar aspne meri bahu ko pareshan kra na to mujhse bura koi nhi hoga." Mrs Kazmi glared at her son.

(Daniyal mark my words, if you trouble my daughter-in-law, I'll be most dangerous person for you.)

"Ammi aspse bura aur koi ho bhi nhi sakta, kal ki aayi hui bahu ki wajah se aap apne bete ko bhul gyi." Daniyal laughted so as all the other people present there.

(Ammi, I already know you're a dangerous lady)

It was clear Shifa's arrival brought new reasons for happiness and joy to Kamzi family.

"This is the benefit of love marriage, husband and wife knows and understand each other." Someone from the guests said and Daniyal suddenly looked at Shifa who was already seeing him.

"It's not a love marriage, hum dono to sirf colleagues the, Shifa ko to Ammi ne pasand kra tha." Daniyal cleared and Mrs Kazmi jerk her head like a taunt.

(Well, it's not a love marriage, we were just colleagues, Shifa was chosen by Ammi only)

"Ye baat to sach hai ki Shifa ko mene pasand kra tha, lekin Shifa alawa Daniyal ko kisi aur se shadi karni hi nhi hi thi."

(Yeah, only I had chosen Shifa but Daniyal wasn't ready to marry another girl.)

"Yahi haal to Shifa aapi ka tha, Papa ne to Daniyal bhai ko reject kar diya tha, lekin unhone aakho se ganga yamuna kaveeri satluj sab bahani shuru kar di, aur bhuk hartaal bhi kardi... Aakhir mein papa maan hi gye." Shifa's breath was hitched when she listened to her younger brother's voice and she smacked her forehead.

(Same in case of my sister, papa had rejected Daniyal bhai but she started crying as well as hunger strike, then papa changed his decision.)

Daniyal and Kazmi family were amazed to know that Shifa's father rejected this proposal, and she started crying for that. Shifa was red faced in front of all. She glared at Bilal but he sat down silently.

"He's overstating, nothing like that happened..." She mumbled and throw some deadly glares on Bilal. "What are you doing here?" Shifa asked in whisper and he grinned. "Everyone is coming but I was on bike, so reach here soon."

"Really? Papa rejected me?" Asked Daniyal with wide eyes, he never thought that he could get rejected by anyone, Shifa didn't break her silence but Bilal. "Yes, yes Daniyal bhai... Papa rejected you... "

"Bilal, shut your mouth." Shifa mumbled as if her mother obey her every time. Before this discussion could go on further, few guests entered the home with few gifts in their hands, Shifa's lips turned upward after seeing her family, specially her elder brother. "Hamdan bhai," she mumbled while standing up and soon she received a side hug form her brother.

"I was missing you so much bhai, and I'm still angry with you." Told Shifa and her brother pat her cheek without breaking the hug. "Are you happy now?" He asked in whisper, Shifa nod her head while breaking the hug and looked at Daniyal. He was greeting Anwar and Maryam with respect without bringing his ego in between that Anwar rejected him.

Shifa's lips engaged with a smile after seeing her father talking to her husband with smile. Maryam was turning emotional after seeing her daughter in this new look.

"Masha Allah, you're looking so gorgeous." Maryam hugged Shifa and she just close her eyes. "Mumma, ab to Papa khush hai na?" She asked and Maryam nod her head.

(Mumma, Papa is happy now, isn't it?)

"Are you happy?" Maryam asked in a whisper and Shifa shrugged. "What do you think, mumma?"

"I think my daughter is more joyous than ever"

"Yeah mumma, I'm. Deni and Ammi baba are so nice."

"Shifa kya kar rahi ho aap? Baate baad mein kar lena pehle mummy papa ko juice to de do." Daniyal showed a bit of disappointment because a maid was standing nearby holding beverages but Shifa was busy talking to her mother.

(Shifa, you can talk later too, first give some juice to mummy and papa)

"Opps... I'm sorry, Deni." She apologise while giving way to her parents to sit and Daniyal gestured the maid to pass juice to them. "Deni, aapko bura nhi laga papa ne aapko reject kar diya tha? Aap ab bhi unse itni izzat se baat k at rahe hain." Shifa asked in a whisper and Daniyal narrow his eyes before replying.

(Deni, don't you feel bad that papa rejected you? You're still talking to him in the same respectful manner)

"Nhi mujhe bura nhi laga, aapke walidain aapke liye kisi ka bhi intekhaab kar sakte the. Aur rahi baat unki izzat karne ki, to wo aapke walidain ka darja mere walidain ke barabar hai Shifa, unka ehtram kese na kru?" Shifa was answerless, Daniyal didn't know what stage of respect he gain in her eyes because of his truth reply.

(No, it doesn't hurt me, your parents could have selected anyone for you. And if it comes to respect then, your patents are respectable for me)

"Shifa, why are you standing here?" Asked Mrs kazmi, but didn't wait for a reply as she gave instructions to the maid regarding lunch. Shifa sat besides Maryam and Anwar.

"How was your practical? You weren't late, were you?" Anwar asked and Shifa shook her head, "Deni, dropped me, so... I wasn't late. And it was good." She replied in a hushed tone and looked at Mrs Kazmi who was talking to the maid "You make salad and rice, I'm coming to make dessert," Mrs kazmi was telling the maid but Shifa's attention was fixed on her.

"Ammi you're looking tired, may I make dessert?" Shifa asked in a bit higher tone to gain her mother-in-law's attention and she was successful in that task. Mrs Kazmi look at her and smiled.

"You don't have to step into the kitchen, just sit here like a newly wed bride." It was a friendly scolding for Shifa but before she could say anything about in reply, Daniyal took part in the conversation.

"Come on Ammi, let her cook if she wants." Coming towards them Daniyal suggested then looked at his wife, "Jao Shifa aap Sheer banao." He added remembering that Shifa makes very delicious sheer.

(Go Shifa, make Sheer)

"No no... Shifa beta leave it."

"Ammi," Shifa lightly grabbed Mrs Kazmi's hand and showed a smile. "Trust me, I won't repeat those mistakes which I had made in the morning." She tried to assure her mother-in-law who shook her head without wasting in a second.

"It's not about that beta, but it's your very first day in your new home." Mrs Kazmi said and Shifa grinned. "If this is my home I can do anything. Right Deni?" She asked her husband who nod his head.

"Jaiye jo chahe wo kariye, lekin ek baat to maan'ni hogi Daniyal, aapki begam bhi aapki hi tarha bohot ziddi hain." Mrs Kazmi kinda scolded Shifa in a friendly manner, but she didn't feel bad for this. After seeing Daniyal showing respect for her parents she decided to give her almost for his parents. And now she didn't want Mrs Kazmi do any work because she was already looking tired.

(Go ahead, do as you want to do. But I have to admit Daniyal, your wife is also stubborn just like you)

"Shukar Alhamdulillah."

(Yeah, with god's grace)

"Shifa, beta bohot dhyan se... Koi galti nhi karna." It was Maryam's instructions when her daughter turned toward the kitchen, unfortunately this instruction made her nervous.

(Carefully Shifa, don't make any mistake)

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Half an hour passed, Shifa was still in the kitchen Mrs kazmi was tensed, she didn't want Shifa to make any mistake in front of guests. To check the new member of home she went to kitchen where Shifa was looking nervous.

"All set beta?" She asked while picking up a spoonful of sheer from the vessel which was already on the gas stove. "Ji ammi. All good" Shifa showed a smile and again started cutting cashews.

Mrs Kazmi pulled a face and looked at Shifa as she forget forgot to add sugar.

"Shifa, beta is this ready?" Asked Mrs Kazmi and she nod her head with a nervous smile.

"Yeah Ammi, it's ready. How is this?" Asked Shifa and Mrs Kazmi smiled "It's good, you go and sit with Daniyal for lunch, Reshma will garnish and dish out this." and with this instruction Shifa left the kitchen.

Mrs Kazmi sighed and Add sugar to the sweetdish, then ordered maid to cook that for some five minutes and dish it out.

"Done? Koi problem to nhi Hui?" Daniyal asked and Shifa shook her head happily.

"It's done." She grinned but suddenly that smile dies. "Deni." She bit her lower lip and he raised his brow.

"Hmm?"

"I forgot to add sugar!" She told him making him smack his forehead.

"Go fast and add it." Shifa nodded and rushed toward the kitchen, the maid was already dishing out the sheer.

"Wait wait..." Pouring the sheer back in the vessel Shifa add sugar and took a relief breath.

"Cook this for two more minutes then dish it out." Without waiting for a respond Shifa rushed back to the hall and sat down besides Her Deni. 

"Baal baal bach gyi." Daniyal grinned and shook his head.

(Saved by a narrow escape)

"Not you but others are saved otherwise they would have to have a sweetness dessert." Shifa made a fake cry face "Wese Deni aap na meri leg pulling ka ek bhi mooqa nhi jaane dete." 

(Well, Deni you don't let a single chance go

"Hu na main talented?" He raised his imaginary collar but Shifa rolled her eyes

(I'm talented, or ain't?)

"Offo eni, Kitni tareefe karte hain aap apni?"

(Oh God Deni, how much you praise yourself)

In between the lunch they were talking in whisper, a smile was not leaving their faces so as their parents. What do parents want other than their Children's happiness? Nothing. And they both were looking happy together. But this smile didn't last long. As soon as the very first morsel of dessert hit everyone's taste buds their sight travelled to Shifa.

"Why everyone is seeing me like this?" She mumbled, Maryam and Anwar gave her a disappointed look.

"What you've done Shifa?" Maryam mumbled making her realised that something was wrong. Daniyal and Shifa both took a small bite and Shifa was shocked. She didn't know how it was too sweet, She had put moderate amount of sugar but now she was feeling like a culprit. 

Mrs Kazmi was also surprised as she also put rational amount of sugar, but seeing everyone watching Shifa like a clumsy cook she decided to take a stand.

"It's not Shifa's fault, I've put sugar in the dessert not she. I don't know where my mind was..."

"Koi baat nhi khatija, ho jata hai kabhi kabhi. Wese achhi baat hai na, meetha zyada ho gya, nayi rishto ki shuruwaat mithas se hi ho to behtar hai." Mr Kazmi place knew how to handle every matter in a beautiful manner, But guilt was eating Shifa from inside.

(Never mind, it happens sometimes. Well, even it is a good thing, it is better if a new relationship starts with overloaded sweetness.)

Few hours passed, lunch time converted into dinner time, slowly all the guests were gone but in these hours Shifa didn't utter a single word. She never expected such blunders on the very first day in her in-laws home.

"Deni," Shifa muttered and he looked at her. "I guess... Ammi is angry with me." She whispered but Daniyal shook his head.

"I don't think so."

"Then why is she silent? She is not talking to me after lunch."

"Umm... I think she hasn't talk to anyone. " Daniyal put his opinion and stood up from the sofa of living room.

"I'm hell tired now. I'm going to sleep. Good night baba, Ammi, don't forget to take your medicine before sleeping." And Daniyal was disappeared in his room. Mrs and Mr Kazmi were still present in the hall. There was only silence after a commotion filled day.

"Kazmi sahab aap chai piyenge?" Mrs Kazmi asked her husband for tea and he hummed.

"Ji begum, bana dijiye"

(Yeah sure.)

"Ammi, m-ain b-na du?" Shifa asked with hesitation, she didn't had guts to face her mother-in-law but she tried to vanish all the blunders she had done.

(Ammi. Umm... May I... Make the tea?)

"Nhi beta, Khatija bana dengi, aap preshan na ho." Mr Kazmi replied in a hushed tone but it hurt Shifa, nodding her head she stepped up to her bedroom trying to control her tears.

(No dear, Khatija will make it.)

Sitting on the couch she hid her face in those mehndi filled palms and cried out silently, after a few minutes when Daniyal come out from the bathroom he was surprised to witness this scene

"Shifa aap roo rhi ho?"

(Shifa are you crying?)

"Deni mere sath hi aesa kyu hota hai? My intentions are always good but nothing good happens to me." Removing her hands from face she asked as if Daniyal holds every answer to her questions.

(Why always with me?)

"Kya hua hai ab?" Throwing the wet towel on the bed he asked while sitting beside her.

(Now what's wrong?)

"I haven't put extra sugar, it was fine in ration... Then, I don't know how it was too sweet. And now ammi and baba are not happy with me?" She sniffled and Daniyal rest his back backward, closing his eyes he cursed himself to let Shifa cook.

"Someone said something or is it your own assumption?" Asked Daniyal and Shifa nodded.

"Baba said that I don't have to make tea for him, ammi will make it." Shifa mumbled and new tears rolled out of her eyes.

Daniyal fists his hair and hit his head on the soft part of the couch. "Seriously Shifa, this is nothing... Baba don't like to have tea if it's not made by ammi. Nothing serious yaar." He told and Shifa blinked a few times but then new tears rolled out of her eyes. Daniyal passed her a handkerchief which she grabbed and clean her tears. He smiled at her red nosetip and narrowed his eyes.

"Aap ahmaq ho ye to pta tha lekin is darja ho ye andaza nhi tha."

(I knew you're an idiot but this much... I didn't know)

"Deni..." He didn't let her complete "I know I'm very bad, say something new." He chuckled but Shifa glared at him.

"I don't have anything new to say, you try if you have something." It was a taunt but Daniyal smiled and took a deep breath.

"Bta du?" He asked

(May I tell you?)

"Ji, boliye''

(Yeah say)

"Aaj main bohot khush hu,"

(I'm very happy today)

"Sab ke saamne meri beizzati hui isliye?" She looked away with disappointment but Daniyal furrowed but soon Shifa's eyes drip two new tears which changed Daniyal's upcoming statement.

(Because I was humiliated in front of all?)

"Nhi, main khush hu kyuki hamari shadi ho gyi." Shifa suddenly looked up. For two seconds she didn't trust what she listened.

(No, I'm happy because we get married)

"Ji?" Only her lips moved up and down no voice come out and Daniyal nod his head.

(What?)

"Pochhogi nhi kyu khush hu?"

(Won't you ask why I'm so happy?)

"Why?" She asked as a mumble, she was shocked. Even shock is a small word to define her condition.

Daniyal shifted a bit closer to her and took the handkerchief from her hand. "Allah ka shukar hai hamari shadi ho gyi aur aap mere ghar ka hissa ban gyi," cleaning a teardrop present on her right cheek he whispered with a smile, which brought a big grin on Shifa's face too.

(Thank god we got married and you became a part of my home)

"Ab mere hankie mere paas hi rahenge, warna saare aap apne saath le jaati thi." He added while placing his hand on his heart like got something precious but Shifa blinked in disbelief. She wanted to show herself angry but throw a pillow on him softly she was smiling in his comeback. 

(Now my handkerchief will stay with me, otherwise you used to take away them with you)

"Ab main aapse kabhi bhi hankie nhi lungi,"

(Now I won't take your handkerchief ever.)

"Main aapko roone hi nhi dunga." He promised with a grin and Shifa forgot everything.

(I won't let you cry)

"Good night." She muttered and pointed towards the bed, telling Daniyal to go there but he shook his head.

"You go to bed." He demanded but Shifa was sometimes as stubborn as a bull.

"We decided yesterday only, today is my turn on couch, you go to the bed." She raised her brow and Daniyal stood up. "Ziddi aurat, (stubborn woman)" Hitting her head with pillow he mumbled and laid down on the bed, in no time he slept and Shifa smiled at own. She enjoyed her own leg pulling by Daniyal it was pretty weird for her but maybe this is also a form of love.

Allah paak, I'm living my dreamland with open eyes, please don't let me wake up with this beautiful slumber. With this prayer she also dozed off without knowing what is the next move of life.

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