"Everything was dark in that jungle and suddenly a ..."

"Offo mumma.. I already know what is coming up... Suddenly a fairy will appear from nowhere and she'll read some magic spells while moving her magical wand in the air and everything will be fine. Right?" Shifa blinked two three times looking towards her four years old girl who was laying in her embrace to listen to the bed time story.

"How do you know?" Shifa asked with wide eyes and the fragile and cute girl made a pout. "Mumma aapki sari stories ka end aise hi to hota hai." That was the disappointed but cute complaint from Alshaf and Shifa lightly pulled her cheek

(Mumma your every story ends in the same way)

"To aap ko kesi story sun'ni hai?" Shifa asked and Alshaf smiled showing her milk teeth.

(So, what kind of story do you wanna listen to?)

"Super hero wali, Jesi dad sunate hain, usme super hero ki fight monsters aur villains se hoti hai" Alshaf said with excitement and Shifa rolled her eyes on that demand.

(I wanna listen to the super hero's story just like Dad tells me, in which the hero fights with villains and monsters)

"App aesi story apne Dad se hi sun lijiye ga, abhi so jaiye..." Saying that Shifa closed her eyes, but her little girl wasn't in the mood to sleep.

(Your Dad will tell you a story like that, but for now just sleep)

"Mumma"

"Ji beta"

"When will Dad come back?" She asked innocently.

"Aap soo jaiye, jab subah hogi to dad aapke paas honge." Shifa tried to trick that little girl, but she shouldn't forget that she was Alshaf Daniyal Kazmi, she owned the same stubbornness feature of her father.

(You sleep now and you will find your dad near you when you wake up)

"But I won't sleep until dad returns." She said with stubbornness.

"Main to itni ziddi nahi thi, aap kis par chali gayi?" Shifa slowly pinch her daughter's little button nose and she giggled.

(I was not so stubborn, whom do you resemble?)

"Apne Dad par"

(I'm like my dad)

"Achha ek baat bataiye, aap dad se zyada pyaar karti hain ya mumma se?" Even after knowing the answer Shifa questioned in the false hope to get the answer in her favour.

(Whom do you love more, mumma or Dad)

"I love Dad more"

"Dad ki bachhi...." With a fake anger Shifa glared at her daughter but kissed her cheek the very next moment. "Sleep now" This time Alshaf shut her eyes and soon she was sleeping peacefully. Shifa smiled on the fact that Alshaf has her father's eyes which smiled more than her lips, and her hair resembles her mother. In watching her daughter Shifa also entered in the land of nod but the doorbell disturbed her slumber very soon. Picking up her dupatta from the pillow she walked downstairs and found Mrs Kazmi coming out from her bedroom with a sleepy face.

"Ammi why are you coming? Go back to sleep I'm opening the door." Shifa whispered in a sleepy voice and Mrs Kazmi turned back to go.

"Assalamualaikum." Opening the door she greeted Daniyal in half sleeping state and he entered in with a tired expression on his face while replying "Waalaikum As salam." in a hushed tone.

"Khana kha kar aye hain ya laga du?"

(Have you come after having dinner or should I serve?)

"Aapne khaya?" He asked in reply and Shifa nodded.

(Have your meal?)

"Aap Soo jaao, main khana kha kar aaya hu." Saying that Daniyal moved towards his bedroom and clenched his nose when witnessed Alshaf sleeping.

"She is already sleeping." He mumbled and then looked towards the packets of chocolates in his hand which he brought for Alshaf

"Kal de dijiyega." Shifa took that packet from his hand and he went to take a shower but Shifa went to the kitchen to make him tea.

(Give her tomorrow.)

When Daniyal came back to the bedroom he found his wife sitting on the sofa and a half filled mug was resting on the coffee table.

"Shifa, aap so jao." Knowing very well that Shifa had a habit to take some nine hour sleep, he instructed and Shifa moved towards the bed after giving him a small nod.

(Shifa, you go to sleep.)

Daniyal was settling down his business for which he was working hard all round of clock, and now he could do anything to make his father's dream come true. After becoming a father he understands the responsibilities and level of concern that Mr Kazmi showed towards him. Back then he was frustrated due to Mr Kazmi forcing him to settle down in his life but after getting Alshaf and Zeedaan in his life he got to know that parents always want the best for their children. Mr Kazmi wanted him to settle his business instead of doing those free lancing jobs, so Daniyal decided to make a freelance work platform for others, neither he left his Passion nor he left his father's dream unfilled.

"Allahuakbar." Mumbling that he walked towards the bed, and smiled looking towards the mother daughter duo who were sleeping hugging each other. He slowly pulls Alshaf away from Shifa's grip and made his place between the mother and daughter. Without making any noise he laid down between them, facing towards Alshaf.

"Dad was missing you baby." Kissing Alshaf's cheek he whispered as if she was listening while sleeping.

"Baby ki mummy ki bhi yaad aati hai kya?" He turned his head towards 'baby's mom' whose eyes were shut.

(Do you miss the baby's mother too?)

"Aap aakhein band kar ke baap beti ki baate sun rahi ho... Sharam aani chahiye" Daniyal teased her and she opened her eyes.

(You are listening to the words of father and daughter with your eyes closed... Shame on you.)

"Sharam to aap ko bhi aani chahiye, pure din me ek bhi baar call nahi kari." Shifa complained and Daniyal sighed before turning his side, then he was facing towards Shifa and his back was facing his daughter.

(You should also feel ashamed, you did not call me even once in the whole day.)

"I was busy." a short reply. she blinked, and mouthed "I know."

"Aaj aap ki beti ne kaha ki wo mumma se zyada Dad se pyaar karti hai." Rolling her eyes Shifa said and Daniyal chuckled gently.

(Today your daughter said that she loves dad more than mumma.)

"Oh, to aap to mujhse jealous feel karne lagi hogi... Hai na? Lekin Phir aapne kya kaha?" He asked and shifa smiled while Shifting her head on his upper arm.

(Oh really? Then you must be feeling jealous of me. But what did you say?)

"Kya kehti bachhi se ki unke dad se to main bhi sabse zyada pyar karti hu."

(What would I say to the child that I also love her father the most?)

"Hahaha... Achha, aesi baat hai." Daniyal chuckled and tucked her hair behind her ear.

(Hahaha, oh really. Something like this.)

"Deni,"

"Hmm..."

"Papa ki call ayi thi"

(Papa called today,)

"Hmm.. Kya kaha unhone? Zeedaan aur Zaryab pareshan to nhi kar rahe na?" Daniyal asked with a satisfactory smile on his face. Hamdan was here to attend Bilal's wedding, both Zaryab, Manha, Zeedaan and Aariz who were both three years old were enjoying the company of cousins. Manha was missing Alshaf but neither Alshaf left her father nor Daniyal let his daughter go away from himself.

(Hmm, what did he say? Zeedaan aur Zaryab are not troubling them, right?)

"Nhi, bachhe pareshan nhi kar rhe, lekin papa puch rhe the ki aap to mujhe preshan to nhi karte na!" Shifa giggled and Daniyal also smiled.

(No, the kids are not troubling, but papa was asking if you are troubling me...)

"Aap ne to shikayato ka pitara khol diya hoga?" He again teased her but she smiled.

(Have you opened the complaint box?)

"Nahi, mene keh diya aap preshan na ho aap ke damaad ko ab handle karna aa gya hai mujhe." Shifa said lovingly but with a hint of mischief in her voice and eyes.

(No, I told him not to worry, now I know how to handle his son-in-law.)

"Mujhe Kese handle karogi aap?" Daniyal raised his brow and asked in a hushed tone. Shifa kept looking in her gray orbs, she blinked softly and her eyes reflected the depth of her love, Daniyal wasn't unknown of that but he didn't let himself sink in the depth of that ocean.

(How will you handle me?)

"Bohot Raat ho gayi hai soo jao" He was the first to break the eye contact with that sentence and close his eyes making Shifa's smile vanish. After some time Daniyal opened his eyes and found her still awake, he didn't say anything just silently pulled his arm which was under her head and placed a pillow there.

(It's too late, go to sleep,)

"My baby," Turning his side towards Alshaf he mumbled and smiled before embracing his little girl in his arms and kissed her head, but Shifa was only watching his back without uttering a single word. Daniyal was caressing the head of his daughter and Shifa was in mixed emotions. On one hand she was feeling happy because her daughter was getting love from her father, for which she had craved the whole childhood but on the other hand there was a pain in her heart which always makes her restless. In these five years of marriage she was seeing Daniyal's love decreasing gradually.

She was giving her fullest but he was not noticing her efforts. He started staying silent most of the time, and if he talks he mostly talks to the children. Alshaf was the chunk of his heart and Zeedaan was the piece of his heart. But he never discriminated between his own children and Zaryab, he had always been the eldest son of Shifa and Daniyal. But in all the relationships Shifa felt was a misfit in Daniyal's life, it was getting difficult for her to recognise her place in his life. Dangling between those emotions she didn't realise when she took possession in the land of nod.

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

He woke up two minutes before morning Alarm and kissed the forehead of his daughter then looked towards Shifa who was sleeping peacefully with slightly open mouth, placing his first finger on her chin he closed her mouth and cover her properly with sheet but before he could step out from the bed, again noticed her mouth slightly open repeating the same act he again close her mouth and made his way towards bathroom after dismissing the alarm.

After freshening up he came out from the bathroom and his ears were hit by mild but melodious voice of Fajr Azaan. His eyes land on Shifa and a smile captured his lips after watching her slightly open mouth, going towards bed he close her mouth with his first finger but that came to previous position very next moment making him slightly giggle but this time he didn't put efforts in the same task and covered his daughter with sheet who kicked that off from herself very next moment, but he again covered Alshaf and she again did the same in deep slumber.

"Dono maa beti ek jesi hain." Mumbling the same he adjusted AC temperature and once again attempted to cover his daughter which worked fine only for three or hardly four seconds.

(Like the mother like the daughter .)

He smiled and took back steps, Already knowing that Shifa wasn't in the days of her prayer he didn't wake her up for namaz.

"Baba are you coming to the mosque?" He asked after going downstairs and Mr Kazmi shook his head. He was not really well so decided to pray namaz at home only. Daniyal nodded and went to the mosque.

After namaz he recited a few verses of the holy quran and after making a cup with his hands he raised them in the air.

"Ya Allah you know what is best for us and your plans are always best, but please provide us easy ways to get our best deserved results. Ya Allah please save my children from every problem and give me strength to fulfill their every single wish and need. Ya Allah bless Badi Amma peace and raise her status in jannat." and he stopped and closed his eyes, maybe then only his heart wanted to talk to the almighty.

"Ya Allah, I don't know if I did correct by adopting Zaryab or not, but I've already chosen this way so please give me strength to give him a better life. I'm afraid of standing in front of you as an unsuccessful adoptive parent. I'm afraid of being unfair to a child who's not my own blood and flesh." He again opened his eyes after sharing his fears with Allah.

"Ya rabbul alamin, please never give us any hardship in life. Remove all the pains from our life and replace them with immense joy, pleasure, good health, comfort and happiness. Give my parents a long life with good health and imaan." Daniyal took a deep breath with a smile and "Ya Allah increase the amount of love between me and my wife. Give that Ahmaq Aurat (idiot woman) some wisdom, and let us live a happy life together. Not only in this world but even after death let us enter in the jannat with each other."

"Aameen, Summa Aameen, Allahumma Aameen ya rabbul aalameen." Finishing the prayer he saw here and there, all the people were already gone, only the imam (priest) of the mosque was sitting at some distance already watching him with a smile.

"Daniyal, Har roz itni lambi dua me kya mangte hai aap Allah se?" The old man with white beard asked and Daniyal smiled.

(Daniyal, what do you ask for in such long supplications everyday?)

"Imam sahab jo cheeze kabhi kisi ke samne kehne ki himmat nahi hoti wo chup chaap Allah se keh deta hu, isi liye itna time laga deta hu dua me."

(Imam Sahab, I secretly share those things with Allah which I never dare to say in front of anyone. That's why I spend so much time in supplications.)

"Ye to achhi baat hai, dil se jo maango Allah wo de hi dete hain." The old man smiled and Daniyal sighed but he was also smiling.

(That's good. Allah gives whatever you ask from the depth of heart.)

"Nhi imam Sahab har baar aesa nhi hota. Mene jis cheez ki sabse zyada khwahish kari, saalo tak jis cheez ke liye tadap tadap ke dua kari wo mujhe nhi mili..." Daniyal shared and the priest was a little bit confused. But Daniyal added "Lekin uske badle kuch aur mila hai mujhe, kuch aesa jiske layaq nhi tha main, meri soch se bhi zyada diya hai mujhe Allah ne."

(Not every time Imam Sahab, I didn't get the thing I desired the most, the thing for which I yearned and prayed for years.)

(But I have got something else instead, something that I didn't even deserve, Allah has given me more than I thought.)

"Beta Allah ki maslehat Allah hi jaane, Jo aapko mila wo aapke liye behtar hoga, jo nhi mila use bhul jao." The old man said and Daniyal thought about his words deeply.

(Only Allah knows best, whatever you got will be better for you, forget what you didn't get.)

"Jo Allah ne mujhe diya wo mere liye behtar nhi hai imam Sahab, behtareen hai." Daniyal smiled and took his leave.

(What Allah has given me is not better for me, Imam Sahib, it is best.)

Going back home he bought milk, bread, eggs and biscuits. It was his daily routine. Unlocking the door with his keys he stepped in the home and walked in the kitchen. Placing everything in the fridge he went upstairs, gave water to the plants then walked to the bedroom. Closing the curtains he again laid down between his wife and daughter.

"Dad."

"Aap uth gayi.." he whispered and Alshaf nodded while pushing her small hair back with her palms.

(You wake up?)

"Dad I'm hungry." she demands and Daniyal nodded while turning his head towards Shifa.

"Shifa, make breakfast for Alshaf." He said politely but Shifa was in deep sleep, "Begum." This time Daniyal slowly shook her but she covered her face with the sheet, he sighed and ditching the slumber he stood up from the bed.

"Go and brush your teeth, and come downstairs, I'm making breakfast." Saying that he went to the kitchen and wore the pink floral Apron.

"Aaj Shifa nhi uthi?" Entering the kitchen Mrs Kazmi asked and picked a pan to make tea.

(Shifa did not wake up today.)

"Bhai ki shadi ki shopping me zyada hi thaka diya hai Madam ko." He kind of rolled his eyes and took the pan from his mother. "Aap baith jaiye, chai main bana deta hu."

(Madam is very tired of shopping for her brother's wedding.)

(You sit down, I'll make tea.)

"Allah bachaye aapke hath ki chai se. Wo chai nhi saza hoti hai." Mrs Kazmi jerked her head while taking the pan back from Daniyal's hand and he glared at his mother with fake anger to get the same glare in return.

(May Allah save us from the tea you make, that's not tea but a punishment.)

"Would you like to have some tea?" Mrs Kazmi asked and Daniyal shook his head with a fake rude expression. "No thanks, I'll ask my wife if I want it. You make one for your husband."

"Dad." Daniyal listened to the small voice and smiled "My little doll." Picking her up in his arms first he made her sit on the kitchen counter then kissed her either cheeks.

"Aapne Dadi ko salam nhi kra na."

(You haven't greeted dadi, right?)

"Oh, I again forget." Smacking her forehead with her little hand Alshaf looked at her grandmother. "Assalamualaikum Dadi." Opening her arms to hug her grandmother Alshaf greeted her with full of love.

"Waalaikum As Salam meri pyari si shehzadi (my little princess)," and Mrs Kazmi just embraced Alshaf before showering her with her love and blessings.

"Zeedaan ki yaad aa rahi hai, teen din ho gye ye ladka to Nani ke ghar jaa kar bhul hi jata hai ki hum bhi hai." Mrs Kazmi said after breaking the hug and kiss Alshaf's cheeks before telling her to go and greet Mr Kazmi.

(I am missing Zeedaan, it has been three days, after going to his grandmother's house this boy forgets us.)

"Nana ka laadla hai wo, papa ke saamne to wo mujhe aur Shifa ko bhi nhi pehchanta." Daniyal was also missing his traitor son.

(He's Nana's dearest. He forgets me and Shifa in front of papa.)

"Masha Allah dono bachhe bohot pyare hain..." Mrs Kazmi muttered while focusing on tea and Daniyal sighed.

(Masha Allah, both the kids are so cute.)

"Ammi Zaryab bhi bachha hi hai, usne feel karna shuru kar diya hai ki Aap dono Alshaf aur Zeedaan se to pyar karte hain lekin us se nhi."

(Ammi Zaryab is also a child, he has started to feel that both of you love Alshaf and Zeedaan but not him.)

"What can I do if your baba doesn't like Zaryab?"

"Talk to him, tell him to behave politely with Zaryab." Daniyal requested and Mrs Kazmi nodded but both of them knew nothing was going to happen in this matter, in the time Alshaf came back running.

"Dad, breakfast."

"Mango shake?" Daniyal asked and again sat his daughter on the kitchen platform. but his little princess shook her head while clenching her little nose and suddenly "Chocolate shake" She demanded with a different level of shine in her grey eyes and Daniyal pulled her cheek after saying "Okay" but she hissed.

"Don't pull my cheeks, I hate it."

"Like the mother like the daughter." Daniyal muttered and Mrs Kazmi laughed.

Taking the blending jar Daniyal put two scoops of vanilla ice-cream, milk and a lot of chocolate syrup in it and "Ready?" Before starting the mixer he asked and Alshaf nodded while covering her both ears with both palms.

Daniyal served the chocolate shake in two glasses and made himself stand in front of Alshaf in the way that his back was facing her. The little girl knew the meaning of her father's act, she happily wrapped her arms around his neck and curled her legs around his torso.

"Let's go," carrying his daughter on his back and holding two glasses of chocolate shake in his hands The Daniyal Kazmi, who was an angry man in front of the world, started a small journey towards upstairs.

Daniyal stepped in the sitting area which was built outside their bedroom. Landing the little girl on the sofa Daniyal sat down beside her.

"Mene suna hai ek bachhi apni mumma se zyada apne dad se pyaar karti hai." Making her land on the sofa Daniyal asked and Alshaf gasp covered her mouth with her palms with wide eyes.

(I have heard that a child loves her father more than her mother.)

"Dad aap ko kese pta?" she asked and Daniyal made her sit on his thigh then passed the glass to her.

(Dad, how do you know?)

"Beta aapke dad ke paas ek bird hai, Jo raat ko pure din ki reporting karti hai, aur dad sunte rehte hain." Alshaf was amazed to hear that but somehow she digested that fact as she believed her dad as a super hero who could do anything. But then she started drinking that chocolate shake and Daniyal was busy adoring the cuteness and beauty of hers.

(Beta, your dad has a bird that reports the whole day at night, and I listened to her carefully.)

"Dad"

"Hmm"

"Nani ke ghar chalen?" she asked but Daniyal shook his head, he didn't want to go anywhere on Sunday but Alshaf was his own blood and flesh so two steps ahead in stubbornness.

(Shall we go to grandmother's house?)

"Yes, dad we'll go"

"No, beta.."

"Fine, I'm not talking to you, I'm offended."

"Okay baba.." he punched her cheek. "Bilkul maa par gyi hai." He rolled his eyes.

(Just like her mother.)

......................

The noble lady of home was sleeping peacefully without knowing what was going on downstairs behind her back. Mr and Mrs Kazmi weren't at home, surprisingly both maids didn't come without any prior information, and now the father and daughter duo were trying their hand in cooking moreover creating a mess in the kitchen.

"Mumma, dad puchh rahe hain aur kitna sona hai." Alshaf jumped on her and asked.

(Mumma, dad is asking for how long will you sleep?)

"Dad ko Bata dijiye aaj meri tabiyat theek nhi hai, mujhe sone de." Shifa mumbled without opening her eyes and Alshaf ran downstairs to convey the message to her father.

(Tell dad that I am not feeling well today, let me sleep.)

"Shifa what happened?" Daniyal entered in the room and sat down beside her on the bed.

"Nothing, I just want to sleep more." She replied shortly and again closed her eyes.

"Lazy potato... Wake up." Pulling the sheet he ordered and she made a pout but sat down on bed while rubbing her eyes.

"Sone dijiye naaa" placing her head on his shoulder she mumbled and again closed her eyes.

(Let me sleep please.)

"Nahi, bas uth jao, aapki beti ko aaj Nani ki yaad aa rhi hai, waha bhi jana hai." Saying that Daniyal pushed her head away from his shoulder and she made a cry face.

(No, just get up, your daughter is missing her grandmother today, so we have to go there too.)

"Bohot bure ho aap aur aapki beti bhi kam nahi hai" Shifa mumbled in sleeping voice

(You and your daughter both are so annoying.)

"Not a single word against my daughter... Mrs Shifa Daniyal Kazmi it is a warning for you." showing his pointing finger he said before going out from the room and Shifa rolled her eyes while stepping out from the bed, she made a messy bun of her hair before entering in the bathroom.

After a quick freshen up she went downstairs and only one glimpse of her brought a smile on Daniyal's face.

A teasing one...

"Wow.. Not a bad begum, your fashion sense is upgrading with every passing day." He teased her because she was wearing a blue pajama, with mismatched brown cotton kameez, an old dupatta on her shoulders and her hair were making an art piece which was resembling the nest of a crow. She ignored the compliment and smiled while looking towards the dining table which was set in a good manner.

"Ye sab aap ne mere liye banaya hai.." Shifa asked happily and dragged a chair for herself. There was salad, curd, leftovers from last night and a basic rice dish that Daniyal made with the help of a YouTube video. Daniyal took his seat beside her and made his daughter sit on the table top, he didn't bother to answer Shifa and picked a dish which was loaded with rice.

(You made all these things for me?)

"Open your mouth." Saying that he gave a small morsel to Alshaf.

"Dad when you'll bring that doll for me?"

"How many dolls do you want Alshaf?" Shifa widened her eyes but this girl ignored her mother and waited for her dad to answer the question. "Let her buy as many dolls as she wants." Daniyal whispered and gave another bite to Shifa.

"Deni sometimes I feel like having my meal with your hand." Shifa mumbled and Daniyal chuckled.

"Really? Are you five years old?" Daniyal made her fun but she smiled sadly while started having her breakfast after mumbling "Not a five year old girl but your wife," but he didn't listen.

"Deni I don't want to go anywhere, I'm feeling very down today." She informed and Daniyal looked towards Alshaf.

"Baby, today mumma is unwell so we'll go to Park and let mumma take rest."

"Fine?" He asked in a hushed tone and Shifa blinked in response

"Deni I'm thinking of opening another branch of the lab." Daniyal suddenly looked at her, "How did this plan hit your head suddenly?" He asked and Shifa shrugged.

"Because I'm feeling like I should extend my work." Her answer was clear and Daniyal thought for a few minutes then decided to share his conclusion.

"Shifa, this time I can't help you financially because I am already having a tight hand moreover, will you manage two branches of the lab and three children?" Daniyal asked without looking at her because he was giving morsels to Alshaf.

"Don't worry about the expenses, this time I've my own savings and if it comes to children, I wanna do this for three of them. I just want them to get everything." Shifa said and Daniyal smiled before Patting her hand which was on the dining table.

"This period will not last long forever, soon I'll be able to give you everything you all need. Just a few more months." Grabbing her hand he whispered with a small amount of sadness in his tone and eyes. Daniyal was settling his business, due to which he was financially weak for the last few months and there was an unexpected financial pressure on Shifa's shoulders. For the last three years she was running a small but successful pathology lab in the local area but now she wanted to take a step ahead.

"Mujhe aapse koi shikayat nhi hai Deni, aap hamare liye sab kuch kar rahe hain, lekin in teeno ki demands bohot badti jaa rahi hain." Shifa smiled and Daniyal nodded.

(I am not blaming you Deni, you're doing your best. But they three are becoming more demanding with passing time.)

"Ye teeno aapke bina nhi rehte, kese manage karogi? Main to pura din Ghar par nhi hota." Daniyal's point was valid and Shifa smiled like she was assuring him.

(They three so not live without you, how will you manage? I do not stay at home.)

"It will be difficult for a few initial months, then I'll only have to visit for some hours. I'll manage Deni." Daniyal saw another Shifa. She wasn't that Ahmaq Aurat who needed Daniyal's support on every step, this lady was ready to support Daniyal at every step. She's a grown up woman who knows how to support her family and teach her children.

"Do whatever you want to do, I don't have any problem, just don't burden yourself more than you can handle." He replied and Shifa smiled before opening her mouth to say "Deni I wa..." but they both were stopped in between when Alshaf choked on food.

"Carefully baby, c'mon take a sip of water." Daniyal instructed Alshaf and Shifa caressed her back.

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

After coming back from Park both father daughter due was sleeping and snoring lightly, the day was lazy but Shifa left her laziness, she was making cupcakes for evening snacks because Daniyal liked cupcakes.

Drawing out the tray from the oven she took a deep breath to take the aroma of those cupcakes. "Perfect."

"Deni come, it's tea time.'' she woke him up with that whisper and he opened his eyes before nodding. Even in the sleeping state he was craving for his evening tea, so didn't waste time and Shifa moved to the kitchen. she placed two cups of tea in a tray along with cupcakes, some biscuits and Daniyal, was there to join her.

"Wow, cupcakes..."

"Hmm aap ko pasand hai na"

(Hmm, you like it na.)

"Haan, bohot pasand hain" He picked the one and smiled.

(Hmm... Very much.)

"Ek baat puchni hai aap se" Shifa asked in a hushed tone without looking towards him but passed him the mug of tea, which he held and nodded.

(I wanna ask you something.)

"Puchho" sipping the tea he ordered

(Ask.)

"Deni do you really love me?" Shifa looked in his eyes but Daniyal passed a short and silent laugh

"Shadi ko 6 saal hone wale hain, ab bhi is sawal ki zarurat hai?"

(It's going to be 6 years since our marriage, is this question still needed?)

"Shadi ke baad sath guzaare gaye saalo ki ginti ko mohabbat ka paymana to nahi samjha jaa sakta. Sath rehna to majburi bhi ho sakti hai ya samjhoota bhi... Lekin main sirf ye jaan'na chahti hu ki aap mujhse mohabbat karte bhi hain ya nahi?" Shifa asked very seriously, her tone was still hushed and she wasn't making eye contact with Daniyal because she wanted to avoid the answer which was making her scared for years.

(The number of years spent together after marriage cannot be considered as the scale of love. Staying together can be a compromise or maybe helplessness... but I just want to know whether you love me or not.)

"Aap batao Shifa, Aapko kya lagta hai?" Placing the mug on the glass table Daniyal asked seriously and Shifa lifted her gaze towards his face, she smiled sadly and again bowed down his head while closing her eyes.

(You tell me Shifa, what do you think?)

"Kabhi kabhi to lagta hai ki ye rishta aapke liye ek bojh ban gya hai, jisko aap bachho ki wajah se nibha rahe hain." Shifa replied in hushed tone and Daniyal sighed

(Sometimes it seems that this relationship has become a burden for you, that you're lifting because of kids.)

"Aur Aap ko aesa kyu lagta hai?" Daniyal asked and Shifa's eyes dropped tears

(And why do you think so?)

"Deni I'm unable to see love in your eyes as well as acts." Shifa complains and Daniyal rest his back with headboard while closing his eyes. "I doubt that you don't love me anymore, or maybe you never loved me."

"Ahmaq Aurat.. Aapko kya ho gya hai? Aap aesi to nahi thi" He grabbed her hand while shifting towards her and Shifa sniffed

(Idiot woman what happened to you? You weren't like this.)

"I love you. I haven't loved anyone more than you." Daniyal wrapped his arm around her shoulder and slightly pulled her in his embrace.

"Sach bol rahe hain?" He thought for a moment then shook his head.

(Really?)

"I love Alshaf more than you." He muttered and she giggled while wiping her tears.

"I.. I love you Deni"

"I love you too, but not more than my daughter.'' kissing her forehead he said and embraced her in his arms, Shifa didn't break the hug and kept shedding tears hiding her face in his chest. He smiled and broke the hug before kissing her either cheeks one by one and her eyes dropped two more tears.

"Shifa stopped crying! Aapki wajah se meri chai thandi ho gayi" grabbing the mug of tea Daniyal said with an offended look because he could do anything but compromising with tea wasn't a task for him.

(You made my tea go cold, stop crying.)

"Idhar aao aap, Ahmaq Aurat." Grabbing her arm he pulled Shifa towards himself, and encircled his arm around her shoulder, she was sitting resting her head on his chest and he was busy having his tea. "Aap ko kyu lagta hai ki main aapse Mohabbat nahi karta?"

(Come here. Idiot woman)

(Why do you think I don't love you?)

"Aapki harkaton se... Aapke paas mere liye waqt hi nahi hota"

(Because of your actions, you don't have time for me.)

"Waqt to mere pass kisi ke liye bhi nhi hota..."

(I don't have time for anyone.)

"Mujhe kisi se koi matlab nahi hai, main aapki wife hu aur sab thodi hain." Daniyal smiled on her possessive behaviour and he finished his tea

(I don't care about anyone, I am your wife not all others are.)

"Main aap se shadeed mohabbat karta hu mere bachho ki maa." placing the empty mug on the table he whispered and Shifa looked in his eyes, there was a pool of emotions but it seems Daniyal was hiding that. Resting his back with the sofa he placed his both legs on the coffee table and pulled Shifa towards himself. "Aapke aane ke baad to meri namukammal zindagi mukammal ho gayi hai," He whispered and kissed her cheek.

(I love you to the moon and back my kid's mother.)

(My imperfect life became perfect after your arrival.)

"Deni, I never loved anyone this much that I love you." Daniyal smiled on this confession and Shifa was finding the most required peace in his arms.

"I know." He whispered and both looked in each other's eyes while their lips were engaged in a smile. Leaning down Daniyal pecked her both cheeks and she smiled shyly while lowering her gaze. "I love you more, begum." He replied in the same whisper and left an impression of his love on the tint canvas of her lips.

"No, you love your daughter more." she said like a complaint and Daniyal laughed silently

"Don't you love her?"

"Of course I do" she replied and Daniyal narrowed his eyes

"Today you tell me who you love more? Your daughter or her father?"

"Of course, my daughter." without wasting a single moment she replied.

"But you should love your husband most, don't you think so." He whispered and Shifa shook her head but smiled because his Daniyal leaned towards her lips and she closed her eyes with a smile but suddenly

"Mumma... Dad..."

They both looked towards each other with shocked expressions on their pale faces, Shifa literally jumped out of his arms and made herself sat on the sofa. In the time Alshaf came downstairs holding her soft toy doll and rubbing her eyes. she yawned and left the doll near the sofa before jumping in her father's lap.

"My baby." Daniyal muttered and Alshaf wrapped her small arms around his chest and closed her eyes half sleepy way. Daniyal embraced his daughter with one arm and opens another arm for his wife who hugged him as well as her daughter wholeheartedly.

"Your daughter has been a spoiler since childhood." Shifa whispered and Daniyal smiled while looking towards Alshaf who was sleeping peacefully resting her head on her father's shoulder.

"She is so cute.. Isn't she?" Shifa asked and kissed Alshaf's cheek but Daniyal smiled and sighed while resting his head backwards

"Dad par gayi hai, maa par chali jaati to bas.... " he left his sentence in between and poor Shifa was blinking like a fool.

(She is cute because she resembles her dad thankfully not mom...)

"Deni aapko pta hai aap na bohot bure hain." She huffed and Daniyal narrowed his eyes but pulled her in embrace.

(You know what Deni, you're so bad.)

"Mujhe Pta hai, Shifa." He mumbled before closing his eyes and Shifa hugged him tightly before kissing his cheek.

(I already know Shifa.)

"Deni what's your plan for next month?"

"What's special in next month?" He asked in hushed tone

"Think by yourself!" she replied

"Umm.. Your birthday? No.. That's in March.. Alshifa's birthday? No how can I forget that's in June! Zeedaan's birthday? No, that's in September. Our marriage anniversary is also in September.., Not even Zaryab's birthday. what's next month?" He mumbled and asked the last part but Shifa smiled.

"Where are you going? And tell me before going" Daniyal asked when Shifa break the hug after some time, she smiled and pecked her daughter's cheek. "It's related to Zeedaan, and I've some work to do." She said and Daniyal was confused.

"It's something related to my son how can I forget..." he mumbled "But Shifa what's this, tell me yaar"

''I won't tell you" she yelled while going upstairs and Daniyal embraced his daughter properly while thinking about the event. In reality it was nothing special but only a sports day celebration in Zeedaan's school for which he need new dress and shoes but Shifa wanted her Deni to think for long time, so she did that.

On one side Daniyal was thinking in every possible way on the other side Shifa open her diary with a smile and took a deep breath before picking up her pen.

Dear Diary,

Life is an unexpected package! There was a time when On one hand I was praying to get Faraz on the other hand Deni was lost in the first love of his life, we both were unaware about our destinies which were connected together. My life wasn't this Much perfect ever, which is right now! I have everything in my life, a beautiful, peaceful home, my parents blessing, siblings love, a loving family, three cute kids, a successful business and A handsome, gentleman, loving and caring husband... Umm... It would be better if I remove this 'Caring' word from this description as Deni doesn't care about me because he has Alshaf to take care. I understand this much that if there is Alshaf and me in the same room then Deni's eyes could only see his daughter. Wait... Am I jealous of my own daughter?

Oh god.. Hahaha... This man is making me jealous with my own daughter, how funny of me! But I love this man to infinity and I'm so glad to have him in my life. Life can't me more perfect for me! Alhamdulillah for everything.

_Shifa Daniyal Kazmi

Closing her personal diary she rested down her head on the table and smiled looking out from the window of the room. There were many flowers blooming in the terrace garden but their precious rose was resting in Daniyal's lap who was still thinking about next month event but unable to remember anything.

Poor Daniyal Kazmi...

His wife tricked him and he was stucked in that.

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

Who was expecting an epilogue so soon?

😁

Anyone want bonus chapters?

(Only 2-3)