Daniyal's POV

I was wondering if I did correct by not raising my voice against Shariq's behavior or not. Shifa was at the edge of crying out but I have to admit she is a strong girl. I respect her from the depth of my heart. She is one of the best girls I have met till now. She doesn't deserve a life partner like Shariq. Why is she agreeing to get married with him?

She is well education, self dependent, good looking, sensible but even after every quality she is ready to compromise for her future. Why?

She deserves best, if not the best, then at least much better than Shariq.

"Daniyal where are you going at this time?" Ammi asked and I shrugged.

"I don't know" With this statement I sat down beside her on the couch of living room.

"Aap Pareshan hain?" She asked and I simply shook my head.

(Are you worried?)

"Main puch nhi rhi, Bata rahi hu. Aap preshan hain. Bataiye kya baat hai?" This woman knows what's going on inside me. No matter how hard I try to be normal in front of her, she show her superpower to understand me. She never fail to amaze me with this talent.

(I'm not asking but telling you that you're worried. Tell me what's wrong)

"Ammi I'm upset for one of my colleagues"

"Why so?"

"She is getting married to a person who doesn't respect her. He has insulted her in front of everyone." Ammi was sad to hear about Shifa

"That's so sad. Ek aurat gareeb shohar ke Rath reh sakti hai lekin ese shohar ke sath nahi jo us ki izzat hi na kare." I sigh and removed my specs to clean them.

(A woman can live with a poor husband, but not with a husband who does not respect her.)

"Ammi believe me, I wanted to slap him so hard but..." I stopped and Ammi furrowed.

"Daniyal aap ko kab se itna gussa aane laga?"

(How did you start getting so angry, Daniyal?)

"Even I don't know" Mumbling that I rest my hand on her shoulder and she slowly pat my cheek.

"I'm proud of my son that he feels angry if a girl is being insulted in front of him, but you had to raise your voice Daniyal." I close my eyes and thought for a few minutes.

"Yeah Ammi... You're right. But I was concerned about her and I don't have an authority to take stand for her. My reaction could create more problems for her. That disgusting guy could question her character and I didn't want that." Ammi smiled Sadly but kissed my head.

"May Allah bless that girl and give her every happiness." I smiled and nodded while whispering "Aameen"

"Daniyal "

"Ji Ammi?" She slowly removed my head from her shoulder and I stood straight in front of her.

"Beta aap esa kabhi mat kriyega. Biwi na hi peyr ki juti hoti hai na sar ka taj, wo dil me rakhne ke liye hoti hai. Ghar me sukun aur khushiyan jab hi aati hain jab shohar aur biwi ke dil main ek dusre ke liye izzat aur Mohabbat hoti hai." I was silent on that lesson but she grabbed my hand

(Dear please you don't do anything like this ever. When there is respect and love for each other in the heart of husband and wife only when they get happiness in their lives.)

"Daniyal, aap samajh gaye na?" I smiled and rolled my eyes "Your all lessons end at me and my marriage."

(Daniyal, got it?)

"You'll understand this thing when you'll get married and become a father."

"You may continue your daydreaming, I'm going." kissing her temple I stood up and got a glare from her but Ignoring that I stepped towards the door.

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

Shifa's POV

I was scared. I searched my diary everywhere but failed to find out. Afifa also didn't have it. Why I even decided to write down everything? I was cursing myself since last night. I know it's not a solution but my madly beating heart was ending doing this after every couple of minutes. I was getting ready to go to college but deep down I was getting ready to see a big drama at home. How will papa react after getting to know about me and Faraz?

But I didn't have taken any wrong step...

Will papa understand me?

"Shifa, Beta Hamdan is waiting for you." Mummy stepped in the door and I came out from the trance.

"Yeah mummy. Coming" I tried to pass a smile but couldn't. Hamdan bhai and bhabhi were going back, papa, mummy and Billu were going to drop them to the airport.

Taking a pair of wrist watches for both them I went to Hamdan bhai's bedroom. Billu was already present there, helping Hamdan bhai in zipping the over stuffed bag.

"I'll miss you bhai" I hugged him, he's my best brother, I was so happy when he was here with me but it's time for separation. "I'll miss you too. Call me if you need anything" Bhai stroke my head lightly and I stepped back. I was smiling in front of all but actually I was not happy, I was scared.

"Bhai, this is for you and bhabi" I passed a well wrapped box to him, I bought it yesterday when we all were roaming around in mall.

"Such a devil you're! Where is my gift?" Bilal huffed at me, this boy is not growing up.

"Study well and get lost from this home, then I'll gift you something too" I rolled my eyes and Hamdan bhai chuckled while putting that gift box in his bag. He punched my cheek and thanked me.

"Papa se kahunga inki shadi jaldi se Shariq bhai se karwaye. Aur Shadi ke baad is ghar me aane ki zarurat nhi hai." though it was a tantrum of Bilal but hurt me deeply.

(I will ask papa to get you married soon to Shariq bhai. And there is no need to come to this house after getting married.)

I looked at Hamdan bhai who was also laughing at Bilal's comment. "Puri zindagi ki saza-e-maut dene se to achha hai ek hi baar maar kar qabar me daal aao, kabhi bhi wapas nahi aungi" with these painful words I turned but Hamdan bhai held my hand.

(It is better to kill me once and throw it in the grave than the whole life punishment, I will never come back.)

"Shifa kya hua hai?" Hamdan bhai wanted to know what's wrong because according to him I was satisfied with the match. He doesn't know what I want.

(What happened?)

"Leave me" I tried to free my hand, I needed to the scoot to my room to flow down the tears gathering in my eyes.

I still didn't like to show my weak side in front of others and tears are the testimony of one's weakness.

"Shaffo" Hamdan he forcefully turned me towards him.

"Aren't you happy with this marriage?" Hamdan bhai asked and My stubborn tears came out from the narrow space of my eyes.

"Kabhi Mehvish bhabi ki insult sab ke saamne kriyega, phir unse phuchiyega wo aap ke sath khush hain ya nahi." I turned to go but stopped by his voice.

(Once, insult Mehvish Bhabi in front of everyone, that too intentionally, then reach out to her whether she is happy with you or not.)

"Shifa why didn't you tell me that you're not happy about this match?"

"Papa doesn't care about my choice" I muttered and tears jumped out from my eyes.

"You're over reacting Shifa aapi, Shariq bhai is so good" Sometimes I just want to kill Bilal.

"Shut your damn mouth Bilal" Hamdan bhai glare at him and cupped my face. "Tell me what's wrong? Is Shariq a problem or do you like someone?"

Before I could reply Papa stepped in the room.

"Hamdan you're getting late."

"Papa I've to talk to you" Hamdan bhai stepped toward him but he shook his head while glancing at the clock

"Later." it Was an order which left no room for discussion. "No need to cry, he'll come again" This order was for me and Hamdan bhai gave me a side hug.

''You don't have to worry about it. If you like someone do tell me and I'll talk to Papa in my way. Don't hide anything with me" Hamdan bhai whispered in my ear, I was quite shocked to heart that.

"Sara pyaar bhai ke liye, bhabi ke liye kuch nhi. Won't you miss me?" With fake anger Bhabi stepped in he room and I smiled at her over dramatic act.

(Your all love is for your brother, not a single bit for your bhabi)

"No I won't miss you. Such a useless daughter-in-law and sister-in-law you're. You didn't give any chance to me and mumma to taunt, like cunning in-laws" I dramatically rolled my eyes but gave her a quick hug.

"You should practice to become a cunning daughter-in-law, Rani phuppo need someone to settle down her brain" before I could move back she whispered in my ear making my eyes wide but end up with a giggle.

"Yes she deserves, but I'm not the one. May Allah grant her with a witch like daughter in law" I whispered back and turned towards Hamdan bhai. He pinched my cheek making me annoyed but gave a little satisfying smile. "Don't worry" I nodded and regret to hide about my job with him. Might be he would help me.

With a fresh hope that I could find my diary I stepped in my room, find out in my book shelf but couldn't.

"Allah paak I'll be fasting for a day if I'll get back my diary" with madly beating heart I promised my almighty and stepped out from the home.

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

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Still praying to get back her Diary she went to the radio Station, heart was beating fast and mouth was drying with every passing moment.

"Is recording room empty or I have to wait?" Shifa questioned the receptionist while entering her presence in the record.

"The last recording has over just a couple of minutes It must be empty now" Nodding her head she stepped toward the Recording room.

With many thought in the little head she pushed open the door of recording room two get a shock. Daniyal was sitting there scrolling in his mobile. Shifa didn't want to face Daniyal after what happened yesterday, but poor girl forgot to ask who was the last to record the program.

"Assalamualaikum Sir" Without looking at Daniyal she muttered with embarrassing feeling jumping inside her and took her usual death without even glancing at her.

"Walekum as Salam" putting down the mobile on table he replied, Shifa didn't lift her eyes and Daniyal understand the reason behind it.

"Shifa I wanted to talk to you. I was about to message you but..." Shifa looked up, Daniyal was holding softness in his gray eyes, She didn't want anyone's sympathy so again bow her head down but a smile broke on her lips when her gaze fall on something lying on the floor.

"Ya Allah." with a smile she picked up the Diary from the floor.

"What happened?" Daniyal asked after seeing the sudden change of her expression. "I found my lost diary" Shifa informed Daniyal while shoving the diary in her bag.

"That's great, may I ask you something" Shifa's smile was lost somewhere after listening it. Unwillingly she nod her head but before Daniyal could raise a question a voice attracted them

"Shifa are you ready for the recording?" Shifa looked at the lady sitting on the other side of glasswall, she nodded in a hurry while opening the script and pick up the headset.

"It's getting difficult to talk due to change in our shifts." Daniyal smiled while getting up from the place and Shifa sigh with a nod. Deep down she didn't want to talk regarding Shariq so she was kinda happy with it.

The recording was good but not fun anymore, Shifa was missing Daniyal's presence. His happy comments and teasings were missing somewhere.

"And with an old song it's time to end our small journey here. See you soon with a new day and new hope." With enthusiasm she rolled off the program and stepped out from the recording room.

"Good going." Shifa smiled and thanked David formally "Could you manage to come at 12 o'clock, only for tomorrow?" David asked and Shifa thought for a moment then nodded.

"Yes sir, I'll manage."

'Another lecture bunk' Shifa snack her forehead in her thoughts but moved towards the reception to sign record register but she was again amazed.

Daniyal was sitting beside the receptionist, for complete forty five minutes he was waiting for Shifa.

"So Miss Shifa, could we talk now?"

How could she deny? With a small nod she grab the pen which Daniyal was passing her.

Walking together, matching small steps with each other they went towards the parking space. "Aapne Kabhi bataya nahi aap engaged hain" Daniyal questioned and she kept walking without uttering a word.

(You never told you are engaged)

"Not Engaged but committed" She whispered with downgaze. "I'm sorry what you've witnessed yesterday" Shifa apologies for what happened and Daniyal furrowed.

"Yeah you should be sorry" stepping towards the car he said under his breath making Shifa embarrassed. "But Shifa you shouldn't be sorry for the behavior of that guy, but for your behavior"

"What? What I have done?" Shifa suddenly looked up, Daniyal was holding softness in his gaze.

"You didn't protest. You should slap him right then to make him realize his place"

"My one slap could make many problems. Specifically for my mumma. You know Deni, a girl's action and reaction is a certificate of her upbringing which indirectly goes to her mother." Without meeting eyes with Daniyal Shifa whispered, they both were standing near the car letting the evening sky capture this moment.

"Aap ko kya lagta hai Shifa, apni izzat se samjhota kar ke aap apni walida ki azmat ko dobala kar rahi ho? Bilkul bhi nhi. Don't forget When the Going gets Tough, the tough get going "

(What do you think Shifa, you're increasing your Mom's prosperity by sacrificing your respect? No. Not at all. Prove her as a mother of a strong woman not weak one."

"Aap kis se shadi karti ho aur kis se nahi ye aap ka zaati feesla hai, mera koi haq nahi banta kuch kehne ka magar. Mujhe wo Shariq bilkul achha nahi laga. Kam se kam aapke liye to nahi" A smile crawl to the pair of those dull lips.

(Choosing the right person for you is your choice, I shouldn't poke my nose in this matter but I did not like Shariq for you)

"I am not getting married to that Bandar. Hamdan bhai has promised me to do something and I know he'll definitely do something" Shifa informed Daniyal while drawing out her vibrating mobile from the pocket of Jean's and receive the call.

"Yeah mumma. I'm leaving from here." Daniyal raised his brow and Shifa noticed his teasing smile. She hung up the call and Daniyal glanced at his wrist watch.

"Today your mummy is exactly seven minutes late to call you"

"oh god Deni, you noticed everything" Shifa was surprised but he nodded.

"Achha laga Hamdan aur Bilal se mil kar" Resting her back with the Car Shifa smiled.

(it was nice to see Hamdan and Bilal)

"Thanks for not showing that we already know each other." She muttered without looking at him. Daniyal also rest his back with the car and hummed.

Both of them were seeing the weak sun gulping down by the vastly open sky.

"Deni"

"Hmm"

"What do you feel when you see sunset?" without shifting away her eyes, she asked making his heart clenched.

"Mano jism se ruh ko alag Kara jaa raha ho. saari ummede, khushiyan, khwahishaat Reza Reza ho kar andhere ke pehlu me Kho rahi hon, lekin ek ummed aakhir me bhi baaqi reh jaati hai, kal ek naya din ayega thodi talkh garmi hogi magar ujala aur khushiyan bhi hongi'' Shifa smiles before looking at him, he was lost somewhere but came out from the trance.

(It's like soul is being separated from the frame, All the hopes, the happiness, the desires are scattering and getting lost in the embrace of darkness,But one hope remains in the end too, tomorrow a new day will come, it will be a little hot, but there will be light and happiness too.)

''And what do you feel Miss?" Shifa smiles and again look forward where the sun was bidding a good bye

"One's dark phase of life is other's brighter side. Just like the rule of nature When it's night for us, sun is shining in another part of the world. And when there is darkness for others sun is brightening our lives." Daniyal smiled and look at Shiva.

"You're so deep, Shifa"

"Less than you, Deni" both of them were watching sunset, but indirectly. Shifa was seeing the setting sun on Daniyal's specs and he was finding the reflection of that orange colored ball in her brown eyes.

Daniyal's smile gave a loud beat to Shifa's heart and she looked away but drew out a box from her bag.

"What's this?" He asked when she passed it.

"A small gift for your birthday"

"Thank you, but only gift? Mujhe to laga tha aap ice cream bhi khilaogi." He again teased her.

(I thought you would give an ice cream treat too.)

"Ice cream treat will be on my birthday" With this statement she turned to go but stopped by his voice.

"I'll be waiting." He open the car door and Gestured Shifa to have her seat. "Come I'll drop you to the metro station" Without finding any problem in that Shifa took the front passenger seat.

"By the way Shifa, I have listened that someone talk about RJ Deni all round of clock... RJ Deni says this, RJ Deni says that... Deni... Deni... Deni..." Shifa blinked blankly. He was repeating Bilal's words

"Bilal was over speaking... I talk about you only once.." She tried to defende herself but Daniyal was in mood to tease her.

"So I'm the topic of discussion in someone's home"

"Deni you're again teasing me" She trued to show her fake anger but Daniyal wasn't going to take that seriously. "Do I tease you girl? Seriously Shifa, I wasn't expecting this to you"

"Keep saying whatever you're saying, I'm not even listening" Mumbling that she looked outside the window. Daniyal keep teasing her and she was listening everything while smiling madly. Actually, Shifa wasn't only Listening to Daniyal but unknowning her mind was recalling Maryam's words that she deserves a life partner who holds her at the time of need and befriends with her for the rest of the life.

And that imaginary picture was becoming more clear. Indeed he was Deni, no one else.

Sometimes destiny make you fall from the peak of emotions, dangle you on branch of heartbreak but don't let you die by burying in the ditch of sorrow. Something like that was happening with Daniyal as well as Shifa.

They both were fell off from the peak of their emotions. Daniyal was unable to forget Adeena and Shifa was still recalling everything regarding Faraz. They both had a big heartbreak but before they could die with sorrow destiny throw a rope towards each of them. Unknown with the fact who is holding the other end they decided to hold their end of rope.

One day they will find out each other by following that rope.