Chapter 2. A Humble Request

After successfully managing Hoor's wedding, Isra was indulging in her day off from the stressful yet enlivening events which are imbuing her to have one for herself but she knows herself, it's not happening any time soon. She wasn't ready to take such a drastic step in her life and her parent's respected her decision, letting her decide on her own to choose the path she wanted.

Sigh, Isra plopped herself on the couch, closing her eyes for a brief moment, smiling faintly.

"Ah, finally done, aren't you?" Zain asked, sitting beside her, looking through a bunch of tests, his glasses hanging.

Opening her eyes, Isra frowned and set his glasses, peeved at her, and replied.

"Yeah... It was a significant event." She hummed, straightening her back. "Here is your tea." Her mother came, smiling offering them the tea.

"Where's mine?"

"There it is."

"Thanks." She smiled, taking her cup. "So, tell me how was the wedding?" She asked excitedly. "Mhm." She said, putting the cup down. "Mama I told you, did I? To come and you and Dad decided to go to Shimla at the very end!" She frowned, shaking her head in disappointment.

"We had to." She shrugged, "Leave it, tell me how it was?"

Crossing her one leg on the couch, Isra began to say, "It was amazing, I mean I did everything so it has to be."

She praised herself and Zain laughed, not looking up at his papers, "Bittersweet parrot." He mocked, knowing she hated this nickname.

Clicking her tongue at him, "Leave this last remain of the gutter. I was telling you, it was lavishing. I arranged everything so perfectly, Boss was so pleased with my work. I think I will get a promotion this time." She grinned, telling her about the events, of how expensive it was, and stopped suddenly.

"But, There was something strange." She mused, taking a sip. "What?"

"I mean I work in the bride brother's agency and some people were speaking badly about it. I don't understand why Rayan chose me to get this done." She mumbled.

"Isn't it simple, you have been working with him for so long, and everything prepares according to his preference, why would he give such an important project to someone else?" Zain answered casually.

"Zain, those were mere occasions, it was memorable."

"Exactly, that's why he chose you," he told her. She hummed, shrugging her shoulders. "Hmm.. yeah. I think you are right."

At Ahmed's household, Mrs. Ahmed and Hoorain just talked to Hoor, exaltation at its utmost extent to find her daughter blessed after her marriage, approaching a life of radiant smiles.

"Ah... I am so happy for Hoor Api." Hoorain grinned, putting her head on her mother's shoulder.

"You don't worry, your number is next." Rayan teased with a smirk, coming down with his hand in his trousers. "Of course not!" She pouted, "Next is Emraz bhai." She smiled, looking at Emraz who was using his phone sitting in front of her.

"Of course." Her mother agreed, gaining his attention.

"Huh? What?" He looked up from his phone. "And you," Mrs Ahmed's tone abruptly became stern, looking at Rayan who was sitting on the armrest. "Hmm?"

"For how long shall we wait? Do you want us to go and talk to Sateesha's parents or not? At least get engaged." She scolded, narrowing her eyes. He faked a cough, "Yeah? What?"

"Yeah, it's been more than a year, if you truly love her then let us go." Emraz agreed. "No," he spoke loudly, shaking his head in denial. "Why?"

"Because. Mama... um... Because she is not ready."

"Are you sure you guys are not playing?" Hoorain mumbled. "Hoorain," Rayan said her name in an assertive tone. "What? I am right. Everyone at Hoor Api's wedding knows that she is your girlfriend so what's the problem?" Hoorain asked.

"I told you, She doesn't want it. Can we talk about something else?" He lied in annoyance, rolling his eyes.

"Ah from something else, You know Emraz, I have found some girls for you, do you wanna take a look at their pictures?" Mrs. Ahmed asked sweetly, her face lighting up in glee.

Emraz smiled in return, "Yeah sure. But, Mom, don't expect me to choose one." He smirked and everyone sighed knowing he was going to reject them without even looking.

"Oh, come on." She frowned. "What? I am not refusing?" He made an innocent face. "Indirectly, you are." She muttered.

"You can tell us if you like a girl," Hoor said, getting up and sitting beside him. Putting his phone down, he turned to her.

"Well, if I will, I will surely tell you." His smile grew wider, pinching her cheeks and getting.

"What kind of girl do you want anyways?" Rayan asked. He stopped, holding his chin.

"Hmm.. someone who knows me and we get along well." He replied and left.

~1 Month Later~

"You won't go back alive if you lie, Hoor," Isra said in an infuriated tone, pacing around her room, pulling her hair in frustration, a growl escaping her lips, utterly pissed at Hoor's statement.

She laughed at her reaction and hummed. "Of course. I am telling you, girl, if my Mother-in-law comes to your place don't be surprised." She teased, pushing Isra more into the unwanted thoughts of anxiety.

"Come on. Have you seen him?" She asked in revolt, stopping, looking at herself in the mirror, and fixing her lipstick. "I don't know about you but Haider's brother Farhan is head over heels for you. He persuaded my Mother-in-law to come to your place and ask for your hand in marriage." Hoor told him. "Like hell, I would let it happen!" She snarled, slamming her lipstick on the dressing table.

Scowling continuously. "What are you gonna do, hmm?" Hoor teased, chuckling at Isra's fury emitting through the phone. "Hoor. What if I flat-out reject him?"

"No avail, he would do something to win your heart... unless you have a lover." She told him. "I swear, I-" Before she could speak, Hoor cut her off. "Gotta go Haider's home. Bye." She laughed and cut the call, leaving Isra lost in consternation to think about Farhan's intentions towards her.

In this situation, there's one person who can help her. After taking a deep sigh, Isra called Sateesha.

"Hey." Her sweet voice came. "Hey, Eshu, Can I borrow your boyfriend for a day?" She asked sweetly.

"Rayan? What happened now? Don't tell me you are going to make him an Easter Bunny this time." She said,

"No, no, I was planning to but there's still time for Easter. It's something else. I need your permission, Can I take him to intimidate a guy? I want him to pretend to be my bf and make that guy leave... please." Isra pleaded.

"Hmm? Seems like Isra found her true love." She teased. "No, you too, I want to get rid of him before he reaches my home. Please. Please. I will lend you my golden frock you loved instantly for any event once."

"Done. Just a day, no kissing or anything."

"Thanks, girl, I love you so much. Now it leaves convincing Rayan." She said excitedly, relief washing over her face. "No problem, he won't refuse. I know. Just go." She laughed a little. "Okay then, talk to you later. Bye."

"Bye." Isra cut the call and finally felt consoled. Having no problem now. The Next day, she went to Rayan to convince him so he could pretend to be her boyfriend just to keep this guy away.

Meeting him to make a humble request.

"I swear, if anyone dares to piss me off, I won't tolerate it." Isra hissed, grabbing her bag, and getting ready to go to the Hotel where the Reception ceremony would take place after the Wedding.

"Even if your Boss?" Emraz said in amusement from behind, closing his arms at his chest, watching her with a smirk.

"Ah! You scared me, Sir." She sighed, shaking her head.

"Where are you going, Fireball?" He asked teasingly.

"I am going to the Hotel, tomorrow is the wedding and you should take a day off and go home, or else both Hoor and Hoorain would be angry." She told him, tying her hair in a messy bun, taking her things, and walking out after locking her cabin.

"I know, I just had an important meeting for a new project. I thought about giving it to you." He paused.

"No. I already have another upcoming one." She frowned.

He chuckled, "Just kidding, I gave it to Natasha. I just wanted to tell you to go to the Hotel to check things for the final time, it seems like you are doing it already." He smiled observing her form. She smiled back, "Yeah. Okay then, I have to go."

"Good work today." He said and left.

Isra then fixed her messy form and went to the Hotel to check up on everything as tomorrow she will barely get time to do it properly so she wanted to make sure things are perfect as Hoor imagined.

"Watching the list of things, " talking to the hotel's staff where the Reception was going to be held.

"The Wedding is in the afternoon and the reception would start after a break of two hours and I don't want any compromise in it." She explained sternly to the hotel's staff.

"Entertainers would be ours as well."

"We understand Ma'am, you don't have to worry about anything, Ma'am. Everything will be as you explained." The manager passed her a smile, assuring her.

"Hmm." She hummed, moving away. "I hope things go well." She said after taking a long breath. "Don't worry, they will."

Finally after being assured things are fine and everything is going pretty well, Isra went home.

"Oh, you're early." Zain turned his face to her, putting the book he was reading down, "Yeah. I am finally free." She smiled, putting her bag down and sitting on the other side of the couch.

"Zain.." Isra poked him with her index finger, making a cute pout, "I am not going to make any shake." He told her, still reading his book.

"Come on, at least make sachet juice... Please." She smiled sweetly at him.

"I am temporarily deaf." He replied, turning the page.

"I am exhausted, please dear brother." She smiled, passing him a faint smile.

"I am also tired so why don't you take this tired form to your room, freshen up.." He turned to her, lips curling upwards.

Her face lit up in glee but he continued, "And make shake for both of us." He smiled and went to his room, making her frown and mumble curse at him.

She went to her room and freshened up, relaxed a bit after taking a shower, and made a mango shake for both her brother and herself. Passing time by sleeping.

At Ahmed's household, Rayan was on the rooftop, looking at the sky, lost in his unfathomable thoughts which are evoking an undesirable sensation he was trying to resist but each passing second knocks substantial vexations.

Smiling faintly to himself, remember the Mehendi event occupying him with enthrallment. Lighting up his cigarette, he put it to his mouth, taking a long inhale from it, resting his elbows on the railing while looking at the front view of their mansion.

"You're smoking again." Emraz's voice came from behind with a feeble smile, coming to him, standing just like him. Rayan laughed a little, shaking his head, "Yeah..."

"Any reason?" He asked, turning his face to him. "Just wanted to."

"Don't lie, you only smoke when something bothers you... Is it about Hoor?" He asked. "No, I am sure, she will live happily with Haider. They struggled for their love a lot so they deserve it. I know she will be happy with him... I am just... I don't know, Bhai" He said but the glint of distress was clear in his tone.

"Now that's new." He smirked, moving close to his face, "Is it about Sateesha?" He asked, moving away and leaning on the railing, closing his arms at his chest. Rayan only shrugged and Emraz laughed a little.

"What?" Rayan asked, raising a brow.

"Nothing, I guess it is about you two."

"Leave us." He sighed, "What about you? You are next in line after Hoor." Rayan smirked. Emraz laughed, "Thanks for the reminder."

"Do you have a girl in mind?" Rayan asked, smirking. "Hmm... I don't know."

"You're saying you are fine with an arranged marriage?" Rayan asked, narrowing his eyes in bewilderment.

"I mean if the partner is to my liking and we mutually understand each other so why not?" Emraz shrugged his shoulders, speaking casually.

"But, do you have a girl in mind?" Rayan insisted, wanting to know if there is a girl he likes or not.

"What happened? Why are you so eager for it?" Emraz nervously asked. "Come on, tell me, Bhai." He asked. Chuckling Emraz took the cigarette from his hand and crushed it under his foot.

"Nope." He smiled and Rayan sighed in relief, putting his hand over his chest.

"You seemed relieved." He arched a brow at his representation of solace. "Oh, no. It's nothing." He shook his head in denial, putting his hand in the air anxiously.

"If you say so. Anyways, come down and be ready to hear scolding from Dad for this." He told him, pointing at the cigarette and leaving.

"Yeah.." He smiled timidly, scratching the back of his neck as Emraz left. Rayan looked outside for a few seconds again with a deadpan expression hardening his features he spoke to himself, "No one... hmm?"

"It's better if there isn't." He said and went back.

~•~

"Do you, Hoor Ahmed, take Haider Wardak as your lawfully wedded Husband?" The Priest asked. Hoor smiled at her soon-to-be husband and said firmly, "I do."

"Do you Haider Wardak take Hoor Ahmed as your lawfully wedded Wife?"

He smirked, "I do."

"I pronounce you as Husband and Wife! May God bring endless happiness in your path! You may now kiss the Bride!" After the enunciation, everyone began to cheer for the new couple.

"Woo!"

Isra cheered from behind, grinning and clapping. They gradually pulled away, Hoor threw the bouquet and Isra caught it, her elation faltered at the sudden call, wiping the smile off her face in a stagger.

"What? No." She quickly said, giving it to someone else after registering what happened.

"Good Luck~" Hoor winked and walked away with her husband.

"I won't let it happen!" She shouted, pouting, closing her arms at her chest. "Seems like your number is next." Rayan teased her from behind, deepening her frown. She turned to him furiously, "I don't need you to tell me this. These mere flowers can't decide my future." She told him sternly, pushing her hair from her shoulder to back, walking away.

Rayan shifted and came to her front, taking a step closer, smirking, "What if it's true?"

"Why don't you leave it at that time?" She smirked back. "Besides, your other half is there, don't bother me. I am busy." She told him, pointing at Zain who was talking to Hoorain.

"God have mercy on your partner." He mumbled, walking away, her jaw dropped.

"Excuse me, Mr. Rayan Ahmed, for your kind information, I know how to handle my private life and future partner, you don't have to meddle." She told him sternly, knitting her brows together in a grimace, displeased at his words.

"Well, I am going to my other half." He laughed. "Isra! There you are." Emraz called her, coming to her. "Yes, Sir?"

"You're late again, you're supposed to leave with Hoor, go." He told her. She held her forehead.

"Oh shit, I forgot." She moved back, lifting her grey lehenga embroidered with golden color. "Exactly. Now go." He motioned her to leave.

"Yeah, I am." She nodded, walking away. Emraz sighed, shaking his head in disappointment, "This girl is just..."

"Ah one thing, Sir." She stopped and smiled at Emraz, "What now?"

"Teach some manners to Zain's soulmate." She clicked her tongue at Rayan, making his mouth gape.

"Hey, you-" Before he could speak, she laughed a little and ran away, taking the car keys from Zain and going to the hotel.

"Seriously, this woman." Rayan exhaled, trying to keep his cool. "Who told you to hire her?" Emraz chuckled. "I did it because she knows my taste and does things according to my preference." He shrugged, making a sour face.

"Then bear with it." ‘I have been doing it for as long as I can remember.’

He thought, putting his hand in his pocket taking a step back and watching the way she was leaving. Humming to his Brother's words.

"I am also leaving, take Sateesha and come as well," Emraz told him, and left Rayan didn't react, only watching Isra leaving between the crowd quickly.

As he was espying the traces she left, going far away from him and he couldn't help but link his gaze with air she was no longer in sight but his heart was surely unaware of one thing;

He is spellbound.