"I'm getting late," he furrowed while wearing a wristwatch.

"Just a minute," She mumbled in a hurry while her hands rummaging in the thread box to find out black thread but couldn't.

"Just a minute, I'm bringing black thread." She stepped out of the room with long steps and he smacked his forehead. "Rehne do Shifa, jitni deyr me aap ye sare kaam krogi utni deyr mein to main kurta change kar lunga." With this loud call he grabbed the handle of the cupboard but before he could draw out an already well ironed kurta his wrist was caught by a soft hand.  

(Let it be Shifa, as long as you do all these things, I will change my kurta in that time.)

"It will take just a minute, Deni." Saying that Shifa removed the half-broken button and started stitching the fresh one. It was Friday, Daniyal was getting late for the Friday prayer and just then he noticed the button of his cuff was half broken.

Daniyal glanced at his wife's face and forgot to avert his eyes which were now fixed on her face. Her partly wet and uncombed hair falls on her shoulder and her eyes hold a thin line of Surma. Today she was looking more pretty, or maybe today his eyes were seeing her in a different way! Who knows?

"Deni aap ko nahi lagta aap bohot nakhre dikhate hai?" without removing her gaze from his button she asked giving him a smile.

(Deni, don't you think you're throwing a lot of tantrums on me?)

"Achha? Main nakhre dikhata hu?" He raised his brow but Shifa didn't notice as all of her attention was fixed with Daniyal's button.

(Oh really? I throw tantrums on you?)

"Aur kya. Kitne nakhre dikhate hain Aap, do minute ka kaam hai lekin..." She muttered and this time she looked up after cut the thread with her teeth. It wasn't a normal glance but she kind of glared at him without wasting any time she fastened his button and tuned to put the needle and thread in the box. Daniyal was surprised at her rightful act.

(Of course, it's a matter of just two minutes but you...)

"Ab yaha kyun khade hain aap? Jaldi jaiye na, khutbah miss ho jayega." Gathering her hair together she made a rough and loose bun of it and told her husband who was still standing at the same spot, in the same position.

(Now why are you standing here only? Leave fast otherwise you'll miss the sermon.)

Daniyal smiled and stepped ahead towards Shifa who was now draping the dupatta around her face. Holding her arm he turned her towards himself and cupped her face with both hands. Shifa wasn't expecting anything like that, firstly she was confused but then her heart skipped a beat when Daniyal closed his eyes and pressed his lips on her forehead. She sighs unevenly and savour that pure and respectful expression of love of her husband, resulting, a smile bloomed on her lips, eyes looked down shyly and cheeks turned pink.

"Allah Hafiz," He muttered removing his lips from her forehead and Shifa looked up through the veil of her lashes. Daniyal was smiling, still cupping her face with both hands. But Shifa's facial expressions made her realize what he had done.

"Umm... I... Actually..." Pulling back his hands he stammered, He was surprised at himself. "Actually I.. I read somewhere that... It's a sunnah to kiss your wife before going to Namaz." Daniyal cleared and Shifa tried to give him a nod but her shyness had no limits.

{Sunnah/sunnat: habitual practices of prophet (pbuh)}

"Allah Hafiz, ab jaldi jaiye." Setting his collar she muttered without making eye contact with him and he turned while picking his car keys from the dresser.

(Now go fast)

"Deni"

"Hmm" He turned around

"Masjid tak peedal jana bhi sunnat hai" Shifa pointed out at the car keys and Daniyal placed them back with a smile and kissed her forehead one more time before stepping out from the room.

(It's also a sunnat to walk to the mosque.)

Shifa's happiness had no boundaries. Deni kissed her forehead without any reason, this is the biggest proof that their relationship was taking a step ahead and she was happy, those steps were indeed tiny but lust free.

Spreading the prayer mat she firstly performed a thanking prayer in front of Almighty for what she was getting in her life.

"Allah paak, I wasn't even praying to get Deni, but you gave me. I don't have words to thank you my lord. I'm blessed to have him in my life. Thank you for giving me such a nice husband. Please never let him go away from me. Now, I can't live without him." Shifa prayed and closed her eyes for a while without losing the smile present on her lips.

============

"Masha Allah aaj bohot khush lag rahi hain aap." Shifa tried not to smile too much but the little woman had already failed to hide her shy expressions.

(You're looking very happy,)

"Hamesha khush rahiye" caressing Shifa's head Mrs. Kazmi blessed her and looked the gas stove then at Shifa.

(Stay blessed)

"Beta Abhi to badi Amma apne kamre mein hain, aap kyu ye kar rahi hain? Reshma kaha hai?" Asked Mrs Kazmi when noticed Shifa cooking.

(Shifa, right now Badi Amma is in her room, why are you doing this? Where is Reshma?)

"Ammi wo mere room ki safai kar rhi hain, main ye kar lungi." Shifa smiled but Mrs. Kazmi shook her head. "Reshma se boliye ye karne ke liye, aap araam kariye, kabhi kabhi to ye mooqa milta hai aap ko." Shifa bit her lower lip and looked down.

(Ammi she's cleaning my room, I'll do this.)

(No, tell her to do this work and you take rest for some time, you get this chance very rarely.)

"Actually Ammi... Deni ko meetha pasand hai na, to main..." Shifa felt shy to confess that she was doing efforts for Daniyal only, but Khatija smiled, she was satisfied that her son has got a loving and caring wife.

(Deni likes dessert so I'm...)

"To ye sheer khurma sirf aapke Deni ke liye hai? Hume nahi milega?" Mrs Kazmi teased her daughter-in-law who widened her eyes and shook her head nervously.

(Oh, so you're making this sheer khurma for your Deni, we won't get a share in it.)

"Ye to sab ke liye hai Ammi," Shifa muttered. She tried to smile but couldn't as she was too nervous for that.

(It's for everyone Ammi.)

"Aap ne banai bhi esi cheez jo hum dono khaa nahi sakte. Aap aur aapke Deni hi khayenge." This time Shifa smiled as she understood her mother-in-law was teasing her.

(We can't have sweets, You've made such a thing that only you and your Deni will eat.)

"Ammi wo sirf mere Deni to nhi hai na... Aap ke bhi to hain" Shifa shrugged and Mrs Kazmi Shook her head

(Ammi, he's not only my Deni, he's yours too.)

"Nhi, wo sirf aapke hi Deni hain, hamare to Daniyal hain." Mrs Kazmi smiled at the innocent shyness of Shifa who was standing in front of her with a blush on her face.

(No, he's only your Deni, he's our Daniyal)

"Ammi, please don't tell Deni that I have made it."

"Why?" she asked

"just... Just tell him that you've cooked it" Mrs Kazmi smacked her forehead before going out from the kitchen while Mumbling "Dono hi pagal hain,"

(Both are idiots)

==========

Placing a bowl of dessert in front of Daniyal, Shifa waited for his reaction. "Ammi ne banaya hai?" Daniyal asked and Shifa nodded.

(Ammi cooked this?)

"Yumm... Ammi... Hath kaha hai aap ke. Aesa khana sirf aap hi Bana sakti hain." Daniyal savoured the dessert and held his hand in the air to hold his mother's and kiss that as the food was delicious. But Mrs Kazmi held Shifa's hand and placed that on Daniyal's palm.

(Umm.... Ammi, it's delicious. Where are your hands? No one can cook like you.)

"Aap ki begum ne banayi hai." Shifa felt shy, little enough she knew Daniyal wouldn't kiss her hand at least in the presence of his parents but she wasn't expecting his reaction.

(Your wife has cooked it.)

"Shifa aap ne banai hai?" Daniyal asked and she nodded with a smile.

(Shifa, you made it?)

"Bas theek hi hai, mujhe laga Ammi ne banai hai to main unka dil rakhne ke liye tareef kar raha tha." Leaving her hand he started having the sweet. Mr And Mrs Kazmi were blinking blankly as Shifa but the old couple burst out laughing because they were really.

(Umm... It's just fine... I thought it was made by Ammi so I was praising it to make her feel happy.)

"Deni aap bohot bure hain." Shifa huffed in a dramatic and defeated way.

(Deni, you're too bad.)

"Itne bhi bure nhi hain aapke Deni." Mr Kazmi defended her son and Shifa widen her eyes.

(Your Deni is not that bad.)

"Ammii... You're changing your court. You told me before wedding that you'll be on my side." Shifa was surprised on the sudden changing of Mrs Kazmi's side but what could these ladies do? There was another level of charm in Junior Mr Kazmi that attracted everyone towards him. Either his mother or wife.

"Main to apne bete ki taraf hu," Mrs Kazmi announced proudly.

(I'm on my son's side.)

"Ammi aakhir kaar aap saas ban hi gyi." Shifa dramatically rolled her eyes while glaring at her husband who was doing an important task... Filling himself with dessert made by his wife.

(Ammi after all you started behaving like a mother-in-law)

"Parshan na ho beta, main aapki hi taraf hu." Mr Kazmi was not in the back seat, which brought a big smile to Shifa's face and she showed her proud smile to her husband as if he lose a battle.

(Don't worry dear, I'm already on your side.)

"Baba aap bohot achhe hain, aapke bete aap par nhi gye."

(Baba you're so good unlike your son)

"Haan haan... Main to bohot bura hu, Bilkul is sheer ki tarah." Daniyal sighed dramatically and Shifa faked glare at him, how cleverly he accepted Shifa's suggestion but at the same time ended up teasing her.

(Yes, of course I'm too bad, just like this sheer.)

"Deniiiiiiii.... aap sach me bohot bure hain." Shifa glared at him while trying to suppress her smile and looked away as if she was offended. The old couple was laughing wholeheartedly while witnessing this love filled quarrel between Shifa and Daniyal but suddenly a voice echoed in the dining area which suppressed the voice of laughter.

(Deniiiiii.... You're really too bad.)

"Dulhan, tumne phir se Daniyal ko Deni keh kar mukhatib Kara!" Badi Amma, who did not even come out for the lunch, came to the doorway of her room just to scold Shifa and glared at her while the praying beat was moving in between her fingers. Daniyal grinned towards Shifa as if asking her, now tell me who's bad? Me?

(Dulhan, you again called Daniyal with his name?)

"Sorry Badi Amma." Shifa muttered and Badi Amma came to the sofa of the hall which was just in front of the dining table. Shifa sighed and looked at her husband then mother-in-law.

"Deni ko Deni nhi kahu to kya bolu? Main mummy ki tarha 'suniye' to nhi bol sakti... Balki main aur Billu to mummy papa ka mazakh udate the, hum papa ko 'mummy ke suniye' kehte the." Shifa shared in a defeated way, her voice was almost whispering but Badi Amma's ears were capable of hearing it.

(If not Deni what may I call him? I can't call him 'suniye' like mummy calls papa, even I and Billu used to make fun of papa by calling him 'mummy's suniye.)

"Sach me? Aur papa aap logo ko kuch nhi kehte the?" Asked Daniyal in a hushed voice with wide eyes, he was in disbelief but Shifa jerked her head.

(Really? And papa didn't say anything to you both?)

"Ab apne sasur ji ko itna bhi under estimate mat kariye, Aapko lagta hai meri itni himmat hogi ki main unke saamne unhe hi kuch keh saku? Khair, Bilal kuch bhi kar sakta hai." Said Shifa with a smile when remembered everything how Bilal used to tease everyone.

(Don't underestimate your father-in-law, do you really think that I could say anything about him on his face? Well, Bilal can do it.)

"Khair papa itne bhi zaalim nhi hain jitna aapko lagte hain. Kam se Kam Baba se to Kam hi hain." Daniyal said the last sentence just to tease his father and Shifa rolled her eyes.

(Well papa is not that villian typenas you're describing. At least not more than my Baba.)

"Are you in your senses, Deni?" Asked Shifa with eyes opened with shock and Everyone noticed Badi Amma glaring Shifa, she palmed her face and looked down as if Badi Amma wasn't even present there. Daniyal smirked and whispered a bit louder than expected.

" Badi Amma se shikayat kru? Aap mujhe phir se Deni keh rhi ho!" Daniyal scolded his wife while enjoying dessert as well as her shocked face.

(Should I complain to Badi Amma? You're again calling me Deni!)

"Deni are you blackmail me?" Shifa whispered, she was shocked one more time, her husband was blackmailing her then she looked at her mother-in-law who had already ditched her a few minutes back "Ammi kya bolu main inhe? Aye ji, oo ji, aur suniye jese words to main kabhi use nhi karungi." Shifa whispered but everyone heard her clearly. Maybe it was the first time she wasn't hesitate to told her choice which brought a smile on Mrs Kazmi's lips.

(Ammi, what may I call him? I would never call him like aye ji , oo ji , suniye... never.)

"Kazmi Sahab hi keh lijiye aap bhi, meri tarha." Mrs Kazmi suggested what Shifa already wanted to listen to. When she heard it for the first time Mrs Kazmi calling her husband in such a sweet way she deep down wished to call Daniyal to call him in the same way that's why she saved his number in her mobile with the name, Mr Kazmi.

(Call him Kazmi Sahab, just like I do.)

Daniyal suddenly looked up at his mother who was suggesting this name, and his heart skipped a beat. He always wanted Adeena to call him Kazmi Sahab and in return he wanted to call her as Begum Saheba, but Shifa's shy smile told him the reality of the situation.

"Ammi, I'm going." Daniyal stood up.

"Where?" Before anyone could ask Shifa raised a question and Daniyal answered it slowly. "Radio station. Where else could I go?" He replied while taking a step towards the bedroom and Mrs Kazmi nodded.

"David sir mujhe Jaan se maar denge itne din se leave par hu." Shifa mumbled while finishing the rice present in her plate.

(David sir will kill me, I'm on leave for such a long time.)

"Go with Daniyal if you want to go, I'll handle everything here." Mr Kazmi granted permission to Shifa which brought a smile to her lips and she took the last bote in a hurry.

"Thank you so much baba, you're the best."

"And me?" Asked Mrs Kazmi but Shifa shook her head. "Ammi, I'm not in your team anymore. I'm also ditching you like you did with me." Shifa clearly replied and Mrs Kazmi laughed at her tantrums, maybe this was the first time when Shifa was experiencing this form of family love where she could say anything without thinking twice, where she could reply without hesitation and fear of consciousness. She's not that Shifa, this was another version of that innocent girl who is now not that innocent.

"Deni wait, I'm also coming with you." She said loudly when noticed Daniyal going towards the door but everyone saw Badi Amma who was glaring at Shifa with anger filled eyes. This time Shifa was not ignorant but fearful...

"I'm sorry... I ... I mean... Kazmi Sahab, ruk jaiye main bhi aa rahi hu." She muttered while casting her eyes down but Badi Amma's anger was no less.

(I mean... kazmi sahab wait for me, I'm also coming with you.)

"Haan chalo, bas deyr na lagana. Aur haan... David ke liye thodi sheer pack kar do, use bohot pasand hai." Daniyal ignored the scolding and behaved as normal as possible.

(Okay let's go. Just don't take time. And... Pack some sheer for David, he likes it very much.)

Shifa nodded and walked towards her bedroom, she didn't get ready just picked her mobile phone, purse and wallet before coming out from the room. Mrs Kazmi already packed sheer for David and passed to Daniyal.

"Allah Hafiz Ammi Baba." Slightly tilting her head in front of Mr Kazmi Shifa greated him respectfully and he placed his hand on her head. "Allah Shaad-o-abaad rakhe." He muttered.

(May Allah bless you)

"Allah hafiz Badi Amma." Shifa repeat the same position but in return she got something else.

"Kaha jaa rahi ho?"

(Where are you going?)

"Mere sath jaa rahi hai Badi Amma." Before Shifa could reply Daniyal answered, it seems he wanted to remind Badi Amma that Shifa is his wife and he could take her anywhere with him.

(She's going with me Badi Amma."

"Mene pucha tha kaha jaa rahi ho, ye nhi ki kiske saath jaa rahi ho."

(I asked where she was going not with whom she was going?)

"Badi Amma, Shifa Job karti hai, kab tak Ghar par bethegi?" This time Mr Kazmi took part in the conversation and Badi Amma was more angry.

(Badi Amma, Shifa is a working woman, for how long she could stay at home.)

"Tumhare hath peyro mein itni quwwat nhi hai ki tum apni biwi ki zimmedari utha sako, uski zarurate puri kar sako? Sharam nhi aati tumhe us se kamayi karate huye?" Asked Badi Amma with anger, Daniyal was witnessing this form of badi Amma first time.

(Aren't you able to earn money and fulfill your wife's needs and wishes? Aren't you able to horse-up her responsibilities? Don't you feel ashamed to send your wife to earn money?)

"Badi Amma main Shifa se kamayi nhi kra rha, use shokh hai kaam karne ka, aur main us par pabandiyan nhi lagana chahta." Daniyal defend himself but the old lady was not satisfied.

(Badi Amma I'm not forcing shifa to earn money, she's doing job because she likes to and I don't want to restrict her from doing anything.)

"Kaam karne ka shokh kisi aurat ko nahi hota, haan pese kharch karane ka aur apni khwahishein puri karne ka shokh zarur hota hai... Tum uski har zarurat har khwahish ko waqt se pehle pura kar do wo bhi izzat ke sath... Phir kyu koi aurat ghar se bahar jayegi dhakke khane ke liye?" Everyone was silent there was no reply available for a moment, Shifa was unable to get what she should do so she was seeing Daniyal's expressions only. His eyes were saying that he was getting angry with every passing moment.

(No woman likes to do work, what they like is spending money and fulfill their wishes. You do these things for her without damaging her self-respect then why would she go to earn?)

"Pta nhi aaj kal ke mardon ko kya ho gya hai? Sharam nhi aati, apni zimmedariyon ka ehsaas hi nhi hai. Aur Daniyal... agar tumhe apni biwi par pabandiyan nhi lagani to na lagao, tumhari biwi ko padhai likhai pasand hai to theek hai bheej do padne lekin jo cheez theek nhi hai us se rooko." Badi Amma indirectly granted permission to Shifa to continue her studies but she was strictly against her job. Daniyal was preparing himself to reply but stopped in between because his father slowly shook his head, and this small gesture was enough for him to understand what he wanted.

(I can't understand what happened to these so called modern men? Don't they feel ashamed? Don't they have sense of responsibility? And you Daniyal... If you don't want to restrict your wife then don't. If your wife likes to study then fine, let her fulfill her wish but you should stop her from doing a job.)

"Badi Amma main baat karungi Shifa aur Daniyal se, aap gussa na ho. Aaj kal ke bachho ke sochne ka tareeka aur nazariya bilkul alag hai, main samjhaungi unhe." Mrs Kazmi grabbed the hand of Badi Amma and took her towards her room while saying all these things. And Mr Kazmi came near Shifa and Daniyal.

(I'll talked to Shifa and Daniyal regarding this matter, you please don't be angry Badi Amma. This generation is different from us, their way of thinking is pretty different but I'll talk to them.)

"Mehmaan hain... Jald hi chali jayengi, thoda aur sabr kar lo beta." Patting Shifa's head lovingly Mr Kazmi tried to convince Shifa but she was not angry, Daniyal was.

(She's a guest so will go back soon, have patience for some more time.)

"Baba had hoti hai, 7 din mein 700 baate suna chuki hain, har baat ko nazar andaaz kar dete hain lekin..."

(Baba it's more than enough, in only 7 days she had already fired 700 taunts and we're tolerating but...)

"Bas kariye Deni, baba theek keh rhe hain." Shifa lightly pressed Daniyal's arm but he jerked off her hand from his arm before walking towards the exit. Shifa was seeing Daniyal's anger a third time and she was unable to understand how to handle him.

(Please Deni, calm down. Baba is correct.)

"Shifa are you coming or want to stand here only?" Daniyal roared from the main door, Shifa looked at the door of Badi Amma's room which was already open and then looked at Mr Kazmi. Neither she could upset Daniyal not afford to leave home to increase Badi Amma's anger.

"Aap jao beta yaha main sab sambhal lunga, bas aap Daniyal ko dekh lena, wo jitna khush mizaj hai utna hi gusse wala bhi hai." Shifa nodded and walked towards the exit while picking up the tiffin of sheer.

=========

The drive was silent because Daniyal was angry, Shifa was feeling afraid of him but she tried to say something... "Deni."

"What?" Without averting his eyes from the road he almost shouted and Shifa took a deep breath, she had been handling Anwar's anger for the last twenty five years it was just a mere issue.

"Aapko gussa bhi aata hai? Main jin Deni ko jaanti hu wo to kehte hain ki gussa karne se sirf baat bigadti hai."

(Do you get angry too? The Deni whom I know says that getting angry only makes matters worse.)

"Haan main kehta hu, lekin kab tak zapt karu? Hadd hoti hai har cheez ki..."

(Yes I say, but I can't control any longer. It's enough.)

"She is older than us Deni... just ignore." Shifa whispered but Daniyal threw a glare at Shifa,

"I can't ignore it! Badi Amma ko lagta unke alawa sab galat kaam kar rahe hain." Daniyal pressed the accelerator, he was outrageous and Shifa slightly while jerking her head.

(Badi Amma thinks everyone is doing wrong other than her.)

"Badi Amma itni bhi galat nhi hain Deni." Shifa's whispering voice echoed in the air and Daniyal furrowed while stopping the car at the left side of road.

(Badi Amma is not completely wrong.)

"Kya matlab?"

(What do you mean?)

"Deni, I don't know if this is applicable on everyone but Badi Amma was correct... I can feel what she said..." And her eyes filled with tears, which she never wanted to display in front of anyone... Even in front of her Deni.

"Shifa...?"

"Deni I started to earn just because I didn't want to be a burden on papa or Hamdan bhai. Rani phuppo's taunts were intolerable for me. If I were Papa's princess type girl maybe I would never do the job... I'm not earning to satisfy my needs but my self-respect, I couldn't live like a burden on my father's shoulders." She muttered and wiped the tears before they could roll down from her eyes. Daniyal knew how hard it was for Shifa to discuss this topic.

"And there is one more thing Deni, Do you know how common harassment is? Especially at the workplace. Many girls and women face harassment everyday, when it becomes difficult to save themselves from evil many of them leave their jobs, and many people don't allow their daughters to live freely just because of the wolfs in sheep skin," Shifa explained something which maybe a man can't understand and suddenly her eyes again filled with tears, she tried to blink away the tears but couldn't.

"Why are you crying, Shifa?"

"Deni, harassment is something which gives a life long trauma to a girl, it's not easy to tolerate and impossible to forget. Girls are unsafe everywhere, in public places, college as well as the workplace." Daniyal was shocked he couldn't, nor did he want to, imagine the reason behind her tears.

"Shifa..." Leaving the steering wheel he grabbed Shifa's hand, "something happened with you at workplace?" He muttered, his anger had no control one more time, and Shifa's silence already answered. "Kon tha wo? Aur kya kra?" He asked but Shifa shook her head while looking away.

(Who was he and what he did?)

"Shifa..." It was an order from Daniyal and she sniffled. "I don't know who he was, I was new at that time. He... He was... I guess he was a client. I was in the elevator, Deni, I was not alone, there were many people and..."

"And what?"

"He intentionally touched me in the wrong way while going out from the lift." She didn't know how she shared that with Daniyal but she trusted him too much to do so.

"And you did nothing?" Daniyal furrowed with anger, if that person would be there he would beat to the soul out of him.

"Deni, I was shocked, I was unable to react, I was afraid..." Shifa's face again lost its color but this time the reason was Kabeer, "You already know what happened with me in the farewell party... I don't know what would happen if you weren't there to save me." she soaked her tears in the handkerchief passed by Daniyal and soon felt his hand on hers. He tangled his fingers with hers and grabbed her hand tightly.

"You're very strong, Shifa." He assured her which brought a smile on her lips but at this time she was emotional too.

"It's very common Deni, I guess almost every girl suffers from this situation at some point of life. And I'm afraid of all these things... Sometimes I feel staying home is much better than going through all these things." Shifa shared and Daniyal kept watching her. He realised why Shifa avoided elevator and use stairs. He also realised why she was so rude with him in initial days. For the first time Daniyal realised how difficult it is to understand the situations from which a person is suffering.

"Deni har insaan ka tajurba aur nazariya alag hota hai, aapke hisaab se jo cheez theek hai wo dusro ke hisaab se galat ho sakti hai, aap kisi ko puri tarha se galat nhi thehra sakte. Aaj mujhe aapka Badi Amma aur baba se is tone mein baat karna bilkul achha nhi laga." Shifa told her what she felt.

(Deni, everyone's experience and point of view is different. One thing can be pleasant for you but unpleasant for others, you can't declare the other person entirely wrong just because you see things differently. Today, I didn't like your tone while talking to Badi Amma and Baba.)

Daniyal silently pulled his hand away from her hand and started to drive towards their destination. I upset him? Shifa asked herself and closed her eyes while resting her head backwards, she didn't realise when she took a nap. After some twenty minutes a hand stroked her head lovingly and she opened her eyes.

"We arrived."

"I didn't realise when I passed out." She muttered in sleepy voice and Daniyal removed his hand from her face. "I know, you're already tired because of the household works..." He whispered and Shifa yawned but shook her head.

"I'm not tired." She lied and stepped out of the car, Daniyal followed her action and locked the car while walking after his wife but he was unable to forget whatever Shifa said, especially about her fear and the thing that she likes to stay at home.

"Shifa." Taking a long step he held her hand and she nodded "ji Deni?"

"Are you regretting this job? Don't you want to continue this job?" He asked and Shifa kept watching him for a few moments then tightening her grip around his fingers she shook her head with a smile.

"Ye job aapse milne ki wajah bani, and Deni I can't regret anything which becomes reason to meet you. Meri zindagi me bohot kam aesi cheezein hain jo perfect hain, unme se ek aap hain Deni. Aapse judi hui koi cheez buri kese ho sakti hai?" Shifa whispered and Daniyal saw a new Shifa who was expressing her feeling clearly.

(This job became the reason behind meeting you and I can't regret it. There are only a few perfect things that happen to me and you're one of them Deni. Nothing related to you can be wrong.)

Before Daniyal could understand how to react Shifa slowly lifted his hand which she was holding in hers with tangled fingers and brought near her lips. "You don't even know how safe, protected and strong I feel with you." And she placed her lips on the back of his palm.

Daniyal smiled at her act and pulled Shifa's hand towards his lips, repeating her action he kissed her fingers and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Shifa was shocked when her Deni pulled her in a hug, did he forget that they were standing in the parking area of the radio station? "Honestly speaking Shifa, I just love the way how honest you're. I haven't met anyone more pure hearted than you." Kissing her head he took a step back and saw Shifa who was blushing.

"David ko call kar ke keh deta hu ki Badi Amma ne ghar me hungama macha rakha hai hum nahi aa sakte," Daniyal drew out his mobile from pocket and Shifa widened her eyes... "Why?"

(I will call David and tell him that Badi Amma has created a mess in the home, we cannot come.)

"Mosam achha hai, long drive par chalte hain." He suggested and Shifa rolled her eyes.

(The weather is so good, let's go for a long drive.)

"Aap mujhe long drive par le chaliye, aur David sir mujhe long leave par bhej denge." And Shifa walked towards the building.

(You take me on long drive and David sir will send me on long leave.)

They both walked towards the building and Shifa smacked her forehead while stepping in the office. "Deni, I forget the sheer in the car."

"You go, I'm bringing that." And Daniyal went back to the car.

"Afternoon sir," Shifa signed the attendance sheet and greeted David who slightly glared at her. "Office ki yaad aa gyi?" He asked without stopping to glare at Shifa. She shivered from inside, after Anwar this man scared her most.

(You remember to come to the office.)   

"Sir... Ghar mein... Kaam tha to..." Shifa mumbled but unable to complete the sentence.

(Sir... There was something at home so I...)

"Kyu daant rha hai meri biwi ko?" Daniyal asked with fake anger.

(Why are you scolding my wife?)

"Tu wo hi hai na jise shadi nhi karni thi, aur ab pura joru ka gulam ban gya." David was surprised to see this Daniyal and Shifa felt shy, she preferred to leave the friends alone and walked to the recording room.

(Aren't you the one who didn't want to get married and now you're tied up with your wife's apron string.)

"Shut up and have this, Ammi has sent sheer for you, you like it na?" Passing sheer Daniyal asked but David smirked.

"Kya baat hai Daniyal bada pyaar aane laga biwi par...?" Said David and Daniyal furrowed.

(What's the matter Daniyal, nowadays you're showering love on your wife.)

"What rubbish." He didn't like David commenting on Shifa but David rolled his eyes.

"It's not rubbish, I am saying what I saw" he shrugged and Daniyal furrowed "what?"

"For your kind information, there is a window in my cabin which clearly display the parking area." Winking at Daniyal، David made his way towards the cabin and Daniyal smacked his forehead but smiled too۔

"Listen David۔۔۔"

"Hmm?"

"Tu awwal darje ka zaleel hai."

(You're a big rascal)

"Thanks for the kind information, and if your wife again took leave I'll fire her, it's my warning." David stepped in his office and Daniyal smiled.

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After doing a lot of work and compensating for the pending work Daniyal decided to spend some good time with his wife, he took Shifa for an ice cream treat which she silently consider their first date after getting married. And to make Shifa happier he took her to meet her parents. Maryam and Anwar were glad to meet them but due to their surprise visit there was nothing special at home for dinner, Maryam was planning to cook biryani for Daniyal but he refused and consumed the ordinary roti and curry without showing tantrums like a typical son-in-law. And after dinner he played chess with Anwar in which once the father-in-law won but other match was won by Bilal who wasn't even playing... It happened because the 24 year old little boy had stolen the king and queen from both teams to fulfill his demands.

And when the clock hands were reading 11:50 of the night, Shifa and Daniyal were back home. Everyone was already sleeping so they didn't make a noise while going to their bedroom.

"Deni"

"Hmm." he was lying beside her playing a game in his mobile.

"How was Sheer khurma?" Placing her right arm under the head shifa turned towards him but he didn't pay attention to her, "Deni... I'm asking something." Shifa hold his mobile to gain his attention and this time he turned his side.

"Just fine." He smirked to got a glare from his wife. "Deni Aap bohot bure hain." With fake offended expressions, she closed her eyes after leaving his mobile. Daniyal smiled at her anger, she wanted him to praise her cooking and efforts but that man wasn't in the mood to do so.

(Deni, you're so bad.)

"Kitna bura?" After putting the mobile on the nightstand he place his left arm under the head and smiled at that pink shade on Shifa's cheeks.

(How bad?)

"Bohot bure" still with closed eyes she replied rudely and Daniyal smiled more.

(Too much)

"Naraz ho gayi aap?" Pulling her cheek with full pressure he asked and Shifa groaned. She glares at Dani who laughed after leaving her cheek.

(Hey, are you offended?)

"Ji main naraz ho gayi, lekin aap ko kya farq padta hai?" Shifa rolled her eyes, she was showing every single tantrum like a wife.

(Yes, I am offended, but what difference does it make to you?)

"Deni agar main kabhi naraz ho kar mumma ke paas chali jaungi to aap mujhe yaad krenge?''

(Deni will you miss me if I go to mummy after getting offended with you.)

"Aap pehle jao to." He chuckled

(First you go )

"Matlab aap chahte hain main chali jau?" She gasped and glared at her husband

(It means you want me to leave?)

"Maine aesa to nahi kaha." He shrugged

(I didn't said it)

"Lekin aapka matlab to wo hi tha. Dekhiyega Deni, ek din main chali jaungi, tab aapko samajh ayega." She muttered with a disappointed expression and was about to change her side when a hand grabbed her arm. "Kabhi mat jana." he whispered looking in her eyes.

(But you mean it. You see, one day I'll go to Mummy's home. Then you will understand)

(Don't go ever)

"And what?" She tried to show her fake anger.

"Main jaane hi nhi dunga." He whispered in deep voice making Shifa's heart skip a beat and Deni closed his eyes to sleep.

(I won't let you go.)

"Aur main phir bhi chali gayi to?" This time Shifa was enjoying her husband's reaction.

(But what if I still leave?)

"To phir Mohtarma ko unke ghar tak pohchane ki zimmedari unke bhaiyon ko de dunga." he muttered without opening his eyes and Shifa sighed.

(Then I will give the responsibility of escorting the lady to her house to her brothers.)

"Sab kuch karenge lekin sheer kesi thi itna nhi batayenge." Shifa tried to hold another small conversation which he ignored.

(You'll do everything but won't let me know how was Sheer?)

After a silence of ten minutes Shifa smiled looking at Deni's hand which was still holding her arm. "So gye kya? (Are you up?)" Shifa whispered but the already awakened Daniyal decided to act well as he didn't want to praise her cooking. But Shifa wanted something else. She shifts near him and without replacing his hand from her arm, she kissed Daniyal's cheek making him shocked. Neither did he open his eyes nor show any kind of expression just keep acting as if he was sleeping. Shifa covered him properly and lay down on her side. "Why are you so annoying, Deni?" Mumbling that she removed his specs and kissed his cheek one more time and closed her eyes to sleep but Daniyal couldn't help himself to smile, "I'm annoying because it's my right." He whispered making Shifa shocked. Cupping her face he kissed her forehead and opening her eyes she found Daniyal smiling brightly.

'Why did I kiss him? He was not sleeping. What the hell I have done?' the nervous Shifa cursed herself and bit the lower lip but Daniyal held her chin in between his thumb and first finger. "Aap soye nhi the?"

(Weren't you sleeping?)

"Agar soo jata to bohot kuch miss kar deta."

(If I had slept, I would have missed a lot.)

He whispered with a smile and Shifa's heart skipped a beat, "Look. Here" he whispered and she dared to see in his eyes. For the first time she saw love in those grey orbs which bloomed her heart with an unknown feeling and the shy woman again averted her eyes. Daniyal chuckled silently and breath out loudly before leaning to her face.

"Ahmaq aurat." He mumbled while softly placing his lips on her jawline just near her lips and Shifa shivered from inside. First time ever he had kissed her like this. She pressed her lips together to control her smile but couldn't. "Kal dinner par chale?" He asked and Shifa nodded with the same shy smile.

(Let's go to dinner tomorrow?)

"We'll go to the radio station then for dinner." With this order Daniyal close his eyes, his one arm was covering Shifa and other hand was under her head. Shifa shifted more toward him and hid her head in his chest. He was sleeping peacefully and she was dreaming about her upcoming life with open eyes. But suddenly something hit her like a stone...

Those letters...

Her smile lost somewhere and slowly slipping out from Daniyal's arms she stepped out of the bed. Without making any noise she opened her cupboard, drew out three white envelope and moved towards the dressing room. She didn't want to discuss Daniyal's slumber by turning on the lights, slamming the door of the dressing room she opened the first letter with shivering hands and instead of reading from the start she only read the name at the end which was enough to stop her heart to beat. Without reading the letter she looked at the envelope which was still continuing something. Turning it upside down she let another thick paper slip out of it and when she turn it around a beautiful face displayed on it. Her heart filled with pain and eyes with tears, the girl in the photo was no one else but she herself.

She didn't have the guts to read those letters, crushing the letter in her palm she sniffled and wiped her tears while opening the door of the dressing room and suddenly bumped with a figure. "Deni?"

She immediately hide her hands behind her back but Daniyal held her both hands behind her back. "Don't you trust me?" He asked in a whispered, he already noticed Shifa drawing out those letters from the cupboard.

Shifa rested her head on his chest and cried out loudly, Daniyal's hands were still holding her hands behind her back and she was unable to hold herself anymore. She kneeled down on the floor and Daniyal just held her in his arms while sitting beside her.

"Shifa, what's inside these letters?"

"Deni, please don't leave me alone." She muttered while crying and Daniyal caressed her head, "Deni, please..."

"I'm not leaving you Shifa, what's the matter?" He asked but Shifa was afraid. In only a few minutes she concludes everything either correct or incorrect and now she was afraid of shattering the beautiful world in which she was living.

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