"I'm really tired," Daniyal muttered in a sleepy voice and his father nodded while yawning "I'll sleep now." Daniyal added in muttered and both father son duo stepped together towards the door of their home, they were out of town to finalize a deal of plot and coming back home after two days but Daniyal was looking even more tired .

"I'll also sleep, but after having a cup of tea of Shifa's hand" Daniyal smiled at his father's demand and rang the door bell but no one open the door, he rang the door bell twice but again no response.

"Are they both still sleeping?" Daniyal mumbled while drawing out his mobile to call Shifa.

"Khadija wakes up early in the morning, she never sleep for this late" said Mr Kazmi and Daniyal glanced at him then again shifted his eyes on the mobile screen which was now showing an ongoing call for Shifa.

"Shifa bhi jaldi uth jati hai baba, wo fajr kabhi qaza nhi krti." Daniyal muttered and felt strange when Shifa didn't pick the call, pushing mobile back in the pocket he used his keys to unlock the door and finally the father and son duo entered in the home after two days.

(Shifa also walked up early, Baba. she never misses her fajr namaz)

"Aap apni biwi ki report lijiye main apni biwi ko dekhta hu" Mr. Kazmi smiled while going towards his bedroom and Daniyal also smiled while shaking his head.

(You take the report of your wife and I will see my wife)

"No, firstly I'll meet your wife," Saying that with a small chuckle Daniyal moved towards his parents bedroom and both father son duo was amazed when they open the bedroom door to witness an uncommon scene. Both Khadija and Shifa were sleeping peacefully. Taking back steps out from the room, Mr Kazmi fake clear his throat with a hint of hesitation because Shifa was sleeping without properly covering herself.

"Daniyal, un dono ko sone dijiye, bahar aa jaiye" Daniyal listened his father's order but he knew his father also need to sleep so he took steps towards the bed and placed his hand on Shifa's arm.

(Daniyal, let both of them sleep, don't disturb them and come out.)

"Shifa... Shifa," Daniyal whispered softly, he didn't want to wake his mother up but his meek voice was unable to wake up his wife also who was sleeping peacefully. "Shifa, wake up." this time he softly shook her arm with a bit loud voice and he unintentionally woke up both ladies.

"D.. Deni aap? Aap kab aaye?" mumbling that Shifa sat down on bed while picking up her dupatta from the pillow and placed that on both shoulders then looked at her mother-in-law who was still looking pale.

(Deni you? When you come back?)

"Ammi How are you now?" Shifa asked in her still sleepy voice, and her mother-in-law blinked like assuring her, "I'm fine beta,"

"Deni aap ke liye chai bna du?" Shifa asked and Daniyal was amazed at how she understood his crave of tea but nod his head while pushing away the blanket and sat down just a few inches away from Shifa.

(want tea?)

"Neki aur puch puch?" Daniyal smiled and Shifa nodded while picking up her hair and rolling it on her hands to make a messy bun, before she could out her hand to grab the hair clip a masculine hand picked it up from side table and passed it to her. Shifa's lips engaged with a beautiful smile, only these small things were enough to make her happy.

(very badly)

"Thanks." She mumbled in a soft voice and secured the bun before stepping out from the bed with sleepy eyes and tired face.

"Shifa,"

"Ji Deni?" She turned around to see him

"Agar aapko neend aa rhi hai to soo jao, chai rehne do," seeing her tiredness he suggested but he didn't know what Shifa was feeling after seeing him, all her tiredness was gone and her heart felt at peace.

(If you are sleepy then take rest and we'll have tea later)

"I'm not sleepy." She mumbled while going but stopped for a moment and looked at her mother-in-law.

"Deni light off kriye aur apne room me jaiye... Ammi ko rest krne dijiye," Covering the old lady with duvet Shifa ordered her husband rightfully and stepped out from the room.

(Deni turn off the lights and go to your room, let Ammi sleep)

How fluently she orders me!! Daniyal blinked in disbelief, he was amazed but his mother smiled at Shifa's ordering

"Haq hai unka," Mumbled the old lady in weak voice which forced Daniyal to took is eyes off the door from which his wife left just a few seconds back.

(It's her right?)

"What?"

"Main keh rhi hu ye to Shifa ka haq hai." Daniyal only nodded and shifted near his mother.

(I'm saying, it's Shifa's right.)

"You're looking pale, what's wrong Ammi?" He asked like a good son, at the same time Mr. Kazmi also come inside the room and smiled at his wife

"kya baat hai khadija, aap ko Bohot pyaar aa raha tha bahu par?" He said like a teasing voice and Mrs Kazmi smiled.

(What's the matter Khadija? Don't you think you're adoring your daughter-in-law more than usual?)

"Meri bahu hai hi itni achhi, kal raat meri tabiyat bohot kharab thi, is bachhi ne meri itni Khidmat kari hai jitni shayad meri koi beti hoti to wo bhi nhi karti. Shifa ne sari raat jaag kar guzari meri wajah se." Mrs. Kazmi informed in her weak voice which indicated her poor health, Daniyal hurriedly check her temperature with the help of his fingers which was absolutely fine.

(I'm adoring my daughter-in-law because she deserves. She had spent whole night in looking after me, I think a real daughter also don't do so.)

"Ammi are you alright now?" Asked panicked Daniyal and his mother nodded. "Much better"

"Khadija aap itni laparwahi kyu baratti hain apne sehat ke muamlaat mein? Agar tabiyat kharab thi to kam as kam hume to bata deti..." Mrs Kazmi was being scolded by her husband, his tone clearly indicating disappointment however, sometimes one shouldn't consider the harsh tone but the love hidden behind the words.

(Khadija, Why are you so careless when it comes to your health? You could at least call us if you're not well.)

"Main theek hu kazmi sahab, aap preshan na ho. Aapki bahu thi na mere paas." Daniyal smiled and gave a side hug to her mother.

(Don't worry Kazmu saheb, your daughter-in-law was there to take care of

me)

"Take rest for some more time then I'll take you to doctor," Daniyal whispered without breaking the hug at the same time Shifa reentered in the room with tea.

"Baba aap ki chai" Shifa passed a cup of tea to Mr Kazmi who grabbed the cup and placed his hand on her head.

(Baba your tea)

"Shad-o-Abaad rahiye, Allah aap ko sari khushiyan de, aur mere naalyaq bete ko thodi aqal," Shifa giggled on that blessing but Daniyal huffed "Ab to aapke hatho ki chai ke bina din hi shuru nhi hota" Shifa smiled on the additional statement of Mr. Kazmi and she passed a cup to Daniyal.

(Stay blessed! May Allah bless you with every happiness and my son with some wisdom.)

(It seems now my day doesn't start without this tea)

"Aur aapki Duao ke bina mera din shuru nhi hota, baba." She replied with a smile and Daniyal raised his brow while taking the first sip.

(And my day doesn't start without your blessings, Baba.)

"Very well said Shifa, wese maan na padega Chai ke sath sath baate bhi achhi Bana leti ho Aap..." Daniyal teased her and Shifa faked a laugh

(I have to admit that not only tea but you make impressive dialogues too.)

"Deni aap maan lijiye aap mujhse jealous ho rahe hain, qki Aapko to na bate achhi banani aati hai na chai. Haina baba" Shifa asked happily and Mrs Kazmi laughed but the old couple nodded in agreement.

(Deni, do admit you're jealous of me cause neither you make good tea nor you can make such sweet statements. Am I right Baba?)

"Astagfirullah, kya Zamana aa gya hai, bahu ke saamne bete ki beizzati kri jaa rahi hai... Pta nahi wo konse ghar hote hain jaha saas bahu ke jhagde hote hain, main to soch raha tha mere ghar me bhi kuch entertainment hone lagega yaha to alag hi scene ho raha hai, saas aur bahu ek dusre par Jaan nisaar karne ko tayyar hain"

(God forbidden, what a time has come, parents are insulting their son in front of the daughter-in-law... where are those homes in which those typical arguments take place between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law? I was supposed to witness such entertainments in my home too but here's another situation... Here both are showering heartfelt love on each other.)

"Arey... Nazar nhi lagaiye, Deni." Daniyal was being scolded by his wife and his parents also gave a disappointed look which he ignored like a pro, as he was doing for last few years.

(Please Deni, Don't say this. May God save us from evil eyes.)

In between the conversations Shifa witnessed Mrs Kazmi who was smiling wholeheartedly and Daniyal was sitting besides her, his arm was wrapped around the shoulders of his mother to give her support.

"Aese kya dekh rhi hain aap, beta?" Mr Kazmi after noting her gaze and Shifa narrowed her eyes.

(What are you seeing dear?)

"Ammi mujhe lag rha hai aapki tabiyat kharab nhi thi aapko bas apne bete ki yaad aa rhi thi."

(Ammi I guess you weren't sick just missing your son.)

"Sachhi Ammi? Yaad ayi thi meri? Wese lagta to nhi hai. Yaad to unhe kiya jata hai jinse pyaar krte hain, aur aap to mujhse zyada apni bahu se pyaar krti hain." Daniyal asked in a playful tone and Mrs Kazmi stroke his cheek with motherly love.

(Really Ammi? Did you miss me? I don't think you'd missed me. We miss those whom we love and you love your daughter-in-law most.)

"Abhi aap umar ke us muqaam par nhi aye jaha walidain ki mohabbat ka andaza hota hai." Said Mrs Kazmi with a dreamy smile. It's clear from her words that she was waiting to see her grandchildren but both moron didn't understand it.

(You're not on that stage of life yet where you can understand parental love.)

"Shifa aap jaa kar araam kariye, puri raat jaag kar thak gayi hongi," Mr Kazmi ordered in a polite manner but Shifa shook her head.

(Shifa, go and take rest. You must be tired.)

"Baba main theek hu, koi thakne wala kaam nahi kra mene," Shifa lied in a sweet and respectful tone. Daniyal keep watching her with softness in his gaze, she didn't know her each goodness was giving her a better place in his heart. After collecting the empty cups of tea Shifa left the room but Daniyal forgot to look away from the way she left.

"Daniyal"

"Ji baba"

"Pehli baar aap ke kisi intekhab se main itna khush hu, Masha Allah bohot pyari bachhi hai" Daniyal couldn't help but admit what his father was saying.

(For the first time I'm happy with your decision to choose this girl. Such a nice girl she is)

"Aap dono araam kariye, ab main bhi sounga. Aur ammi agar kuch chahiye to mujhe bula lijiyega." Saying that Daniyal kissed the forehead of his mother and moved to his room where Shifa was laying on the bed playing candy crush in her mobile. He slammed the door after himself and he went to bed. Removing his shoes he throws himself beside his wife.

(Take rest, I'll also sleep now. And Ammi if you need anything just call me. )

"Shifa"

"Deni aap jaldi se change kar ke so jaiye" Placing down the mobile she said in hurry while sitting on the bed but not looking at her Deni.

(Deni, change yourself in a comfortable pair of clothes and take rest.)

"Shifa aap se kuch kehna hai," He smiled in slow voice and Shifa nodded, but she step down from bed. "Ji boliye na... Aap ko kuch chahiye?" wearing her slipper to walk to the couch she asked without looking at Daniyal and he rolled his eyes.

(Shifa I've to say something)

(Yes sure, say it... do you want anything?)

"Ji Aapke 5 minute chahiye, mil sakte hain" Grabbing her wrist, he demanded and Shifa nodded with a shy smile, but soon hide it while sitting in front of him.

(Yes, may I get your time? Just five minutes)

'Aapke liye to Jaan bhi hazir hai, aap kabhi izhaar karne ka moqa to de kar dekhiye' Shifa said only in her heart she wanted to say that but scared to sound so filmy so let that be.

(My life is also present for you, just give me a chance to express my feelings.)

''Bilkul mil sakte hain" She smiled with a nod and sat down maintaining small distance between them.

(Of course, you can)

"Shukriya" Holding Shifa's left hand with entangled fingers Daniyal thanked her wholeheartedly.

"Kis liye, Deni?" Looking in his eyes with deep feelings she asked in a whisper.

(For what Deni?)

"Ammi ka dhyan rakhne ke liye, aaj aap ne mujhe phir se apna maqrooz kar diya," whispered Daniyal without leaving her hand, they were seeing into each other's eyes without even blinking, but Shifa was the first to disturb that silence.

(For looking after Ammi, I'm indebted in front of you one more time)

"Deni, Main unhe sirf Ammi kehti nhi hu, maanti hu. Agar mummy ki tabiyat theek nhi hoti to main unka bhi aese hi dhyan rakhti. Aap ko mera maqrooz hone ki zarurat nhi hai" Shifa replied honestly and she felt Daniyal's grip becoming tight around her hands which made her heart flutter but she stopped any kind of smile coming to her lips.

(Deni, I not only call her ammi but feel her like my mother. I would look after Mummy in the same way if she needed. You don't have to be indebted to me.)

"Aap itni achhi kesi ho sakti ho, Shifa?" He asked holding softness on his eyes, but she giggled.

(How could you be so good, Shifa?)

"Ab itni bhi achhi nahi hu, aap ki Ammi ki Khidmat kari hai to aapse wasool karungi na." Shifa said mischievously with a shine in her eyes and Daniyal narrow his eyes.

(Well, I'm not even that good, I have served your Ammi so I will recover from you.)

"Achha, Batao Kese wasool karogi aap?" He asked after shifting towards her, now they both were sitting with crosed legs, their knees were touching to each other and Shifa's hand was still in Daniyal's hands.

(Oh really? How will you recover?)

"Deni, Main ghar me bethe bethe pareshan ho chuki hu, kahi le chaliye please." Shifa demanded and Daniyal smiled on her small yet generous desire. He realised that even after four months of marriage they both never went anywhere other than radio station and a few times to meet Maryam and Anwar.

(Deni, I'm tired of sitting at home, please take me somewhere)

"Hmm... Okay. Where do you wanna go?"

"Anywhere," Shifa shrugged but she noticed Daniyal's fingers were unknowingly playing with the gold ring she was wearing in her ring finger, he didn't even know that his small act was play with her heart beat.

"Anywhere? Really?" He asked with fake innocence but Shifa nodded with real innocence.

"Chalo terrace par chalte hain..." Daniyal chuckled But Shifa rolled her eyes. "Yehi ummed hai aap se," pulling her hand from his grip she looked away and Daniyal smirked before pulling her cheeks with both hands.

(Let's go to terrace.)

(Only this was expected from you)

"Deniiiii... Please... I hate when someone pull my cheeks" she yelled and shift away with irritation but Daniyal smiled at her innocentce.

"Okay soryy... tell me where you wanna go?" He asked with a genuinely, Shifa keep watching him for very long moment, her heart demanded for most innocent wish to go to for candle light dinner with him in the same restaurant where Daniyal parked his car a few days back. But she also knew her limits, so she hide her desire inside her heart .

"Anywhere," she muttered looking into his eyes.

"Long drive par chale?" Shifa's eyes became wide and she nodded with great enthusiasm.

(Should we go on long drive?)

"Ji Ji Deni, Chaliye... Main tayyar ho jati hu"

(Yes yes yes Deni, let's go. I'm getting ready)

"Arey arey areyy... Sabr-o-tahammul se kaam lo mohtarma... Raat ko challenge, Abhi so jao" Throwing himself in bed Daniyal announced and Shifa sighed.

(Wait wait wait impatient woman. Take rest now, well go tonight.)

"Sabr-o-tahammul se hi to kaam le rhi hu inte dino se!" She muttered while looking away.

(I'm already demonstrating patience for a long time)

"Hmm? Kuch kaha aapne?"

(Pardon!)

"At least change your clothes before sleeping" she immediately change the topic and he sighed in a tired manner. "Sone do yaar, bohot thak gya hu." mumbling that he close his eyes; within not five minutes he was sleeping peacefully and Shifa was watching him.

(Let me sleep, in tired)

"This man is..." She groans and remove his specs then open his cufflinks which weaken Daniyal's slumber, he opened his eyes but Shifa was busy in her work without knowing that she already woke up her Deni. She placed the silver cufflinks on side table of bed then looked at his feet, he was still wearing the socks, Shifa sighed and mumbled "Such a child" while removing his socks and Daniyal smiled, but soon he listened a little gasp from Shifa, her soft fingers touched the back of his feet which was looking dark red due to biting of shoes. Daniyal felt the same pain he was ignoring for last two days. But he decided to keep his eyes shut. Shifa pick an antiseptic cream and applied on those small wounds which gave little pain little relief to her husband and she applied the remaining ointment in between the fingers of his feet. Daniyal was quite amazed at how gently she was taking his care. Adjusting the temperature of AC she covered Daniyal with blanket and he grabbed her wrist. "Aap bed par so jao, main couch par so jata hu." He said in whisper but Shifa was shocked. 

(You sleep on the bed, I'll go to couch)

"Aap jaag rahe hain?"

(You're awake?)

"Main to so raha tha, lekin aap ne Jaga diya" Shifa's shocked faced converted into a guilty one.

(I was sleeping but you wake me up)

"I'm sorry Deni, you're tired, you sleep here. Couch will be uncomfortable for you." Daniyal smile on her apology and Shifa sat down beside him still holding each other's hands.

"App bhi thaki hui ho, couch to aapke liye bhi pareshaan-kun hoga," Daniyal said soflty but Shifa shook her head "Umm... it's okay, Deni"

(Youre also tired, couch will be uncomfortable)

"Umm... If you are— okay with it..." Leaving her hand he shift backward and adjust a pillow on the other side of the bed, "sleep here only— otherwise I'll go to couch," he muttered with hesitation but Shifa's reply was unexpected for him. Without wasting a single second she looked the empty side of the bed and shooter head.

"No Deni, I won't sleep here. Come to this side, I can't sleep on right side of bed," he chuckled on her demand but crept to other side. Facing each other they laid back, dim light of the room was providing comfort to both of them, placing one hand under her cheek and other one on the edge of the pillow she closed her eyes to sleep but a hand grabbed her hand.

"Ye kya hua?" He noticed three bandaids on her three fingers of her right hand and Shifa again open her eyes.

(What's this?)

"Yesterday I was peeling onions and the new blade was sharper than expected!" She muttered to got a disappointed look from her husband.

"Dhyan se kaam kra kro, Shifa." Mumbling that he shut his eyes but forget to leave Shifa's hand from his grip. Unknowingly he was playing with the strings of her heart moreover his own heart was finding peace near her, but he was unaware of the fact. Soon Shifa slept with satisfaction that her Deni was beside her and he took a deep breath while digging his face into the pillow to realise that it was a mild yet beautiful fragrance in the pillow which he was missing when sleeping in the cosy bed of the lavish hotel. Opening his eyes he looked at Shifa who was sleeping peacefully and this time intentionally took a deep breath to recognise the fragrance that he was already used to inhaling while sleeping.

But from where it was coming? As far as he remembers there was no such fragrance in his pillows till four months ago.

Shifting a little bit forwards he placed his nose near her hair and a big smile captured his lips. This time he intentionally filled himself with this mind fragrance and slept peacefully after solving the mystery of this mysterious fragrance.

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To be continued...

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