It was a bright, sunny afternoon on 18th August when Shaizaan entered Omar’s office to talk.

Omar is Shaizaan’s college friend who helped him with notes and college work while he took over his father’s duties after his passing. Omar is now the CFO of the Khan’s empire.

“ Have you gone mad? ” Omar burst out after hearing Shaizaan’s plan and continued,

“ You took her award just like that. What was her fault, except being the chosen bride by your mother? Ya Allah, Shaizaan, you are crossing the line.”

Shaizaan leaned back, calm but unyielding. 

“ It's the only way I can stop my mother from pushing this marriage proposal.”

“It's not like she’s marching to Bhopal tomorrow with a proposal in her hand. She’s just shortlisting biodatas.” Omar argued, standing in front of him.

“ And what if she’s already planning behind my back? I cannot risk that. ”

Omar folded his arms. “You’re twenty-seven. Well-settled. What’s so wrong with marriage?”

“ I don’t want to. Why is everyone after my life?” Shaizaan snapped.

“Because we want to see you happy.”

“Am I not happy now?”

“Your mother lost her husband half a year ago. If looking at proposals brings her a little hope, a little distraction… let her. At least try to understand her feelings.”

Shaizaan’s jaw tightened. He said nothing. Omar poured himself water and sat opposite him.

Zain knocked and entered with a file. Shaizaan read it and nodded.

“What’s that?” Omar asked.

“Nothing.” Shaizaan muttered.

“Don’t lie to me.” Omar called Zain back. His eyes widened as he scanned the pages. “You prepared a contract… for Iram?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“ Look, you know my dreams since college. I studied robotics. And look at me now. I am chained to these responsibilities. I graduated, but I never lived my life like I wanted. I haven’t had the chance to build what I wanted. ” Shaizaan replied with frustration.

“And you think marriage will stop you? You can build your dream and still get married.” Omar sighed.

“You think her family will accept me leaving the empire to chase robots? They’ll ask about income, stability, and how I’ll manage the house. She’s still studying.”

“ Okay, then take time,” Omar suggested. 

“Meet her, be honest, delay the wedding date. She can graduate, you can work on your idea.”

“ You think I have not thought this through. That’s what I did the entire flight. “ Shaizaan said and continued,

“ I asked myself what I want in my life right now, and the answer was my dream project. Please don't force me into this. I’m not ready yet.”

“ Fine. But don’t punish Iram. Just talk to your mother. Or to Meerab.”

“I can’t return those certificates now.”

“Shaizaan!”

“Listen first.”

“I’ll call Izhaan and Huzaifa. Maybe they can talk sense into you.”

“Please don’t…” Shaizaan tried to stop Omar as he didn’t want to trouble them.

But Omar had already dialed. “Assalamualaikum, Huzaifa Bhai.”

“Walaikum assalam,” came the tired reply.

“You sound dull. Is everything okay?” Omar asked.

There was a pause. Then Huzaifa’s voice cracked. 

“Emaan… her toxic relatives kidnapped her.”

“What?!” Omar and Shaizaan exclaimed together.

“Why? She’s your wife.”

“It’s a long story. I don’t even know what to do now.” Huzaifa lost hope.

“We’ll bring her back,” Shaizaan said firmly.

“It’s not that easy.” Huzaifa replied.

“At least come back to Bangalore,” Omar urged.

“I will. I’ll catch a flight tomorrow night. I’ll reach early morning, 20th August.”

“I’ll pick you up,” Omar said quickly.

“Don’t worry, we’ll handle it,” Shaizaan added, 

“I’ll ask Izhaan and Kaif to join.”

Shaizaan said and dialled Izhaan’s number while Omar continued to motivate and boost the hopes of Huzaifa. 

“ Assalamualaikum Izhaan. How are you? ”

“ Walaikum Assalam. I’m good, Alhamdulillah. What about you? ”

“ Are you free this weekend? ”

“ No. I’ll be at Qizra’s Ammi’s house. Why?”

“ We need your help. Huzaifa had a situation. ” Shaizaan explained the details to Izhaan.

“ I don't understand those people. She was well settled abroad, and they got what they wanted. Why this kidnapping then?” Izhaan burst in anger.

“ I don't know. You need to join us. And please don't tell Qizra.”

“ I know. But what's the plan? Are we going to kidnap her back? ”

“ No.” Shaizaan paused and then continued,

“ Yeah, maybe…” 

“ Fine, I’ll make some excuse and join you guys. But I need to pick Qizra by Saturday. I see some bus seats available on the 20th. I’ll be there by morning.”

“ Okay.” Shaizaan nodded, and that’s when he thought of an idea.

“ Also, Izhaan, can I check our old robotics project file in your cabin?”

“ Yeah, you can. You remember the password, right? ”

“ Yeah.”

“ Thank you…”

“ You're welcome…”

Shaizaan smirked, looking at his phone.

“ Miss Iram, now you’ll see what I can do to scare you away.”

“ Still on this madness?” Omar shot a glare at Shaizaan.

“ Yes. And Izhaan will be here the same morning as Huzaifa. I’ll ask Kaif to pick him.”

“ And what about you?”

“ I have an appointment…”

“ What appointment?” Omar eyed Shaizaan.

Shaizaan smirked, waving his phone screen at Omar. It showed ‘Miss Iram’.