The clinking sound of metal against glass echoed as she beat eggs in a transparent bowl. She was wearing loose pants paired with a short white kurti, strands of her black, silky hair escaped the rough bun, framing her focused expression.

With the cake batter ready, Eifa picked up a spatula, her movements deliberate and confident. She spread the velvety mixture onto the awaiting cake layers. The room filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla as she meticulously coated the cake.

Eifa applied the vibrant blue icing to the cake, each stroke creating a mesmerizing swirl of colour. The living room, transformed into a festive space, showcased a celebration in the making.

Sofas had been moved to the corners, making room for the lively atmosphere. Blue and white balloons adorned the floor. The scent of freshly baked cake and the anticipation of the celebration lingered in the air.

As Eifa entered the living room, her eyes widened in shock. The helpers, Ehan, Huda, Ishmal, and Eira, were engrossed in gossiping rather than inflating balloons, and they seemed oblivious to the task at hand.

"Is it necessary to do this? Why don't we just call the decorators?" Eira complained, though she wasn't doing any work at all. It was only Ishmal and Huda doing the chores.

"Those who are helping should be the ones to say this; you've just been sitting here complaining." Eifa went to stand behind Eira and told her, making her eyes wide. She hadn't expected Eifa to hear her.

Eifa's sharp voice startled Ehan, who was lounging comfortably on the floor, his head resting lazily against the couch. He quickly straightened up, adopting a posture that was far more "respectable."

The living room was still an undecorated mess, and Eifa's anger was entirely justified.

"You guys haven't done a single thing yet." Eifa's voice was anything but gentle. Her rising temper was evident in the flush spreading across her cheeks, the rigid stance of her body, and the sharpness of her words.

"Maama, maine toh suna toh behne ghar ka sukoon hoti hain, thandi hawa, aangan ki chirhiya, do pal ki mehman. Iss chirhiya ko humare aangan se aap kab urhayengi." Ehan asked his mother, Shyra, in an exaggerated, theatrical tone. His words sent Eira, Huda, and Ishmal into fits of laughter, but Shyra just rolled her eyes and gave him a light smack on the head.

(Maama, I've heard that sisters are the peace of the house, a cool breeze, the little bird of the courtyard, just a guest for a while. When will you let this bird fly away from our courtyard.)

"Bakwas karwa lo bas issey." Eifa snapped, visibly irritated by his remark. "Nomi is better than you. If he didn't have an exam today, he would have finished all my work by now."

(Just let him keep babbling nonsense.)

"Yaar, konsa kisi bachhe ki birthday hai jo hum itna kar rahe hai. Even my birthday doesn't get this much attention." Eira, the youngest sibling, complained, pouting in frustration.

(Why are we even doing this?)

"Eira is right, Eifa, why are you so stressed? Just call the decorators." Shyra suggested, trying to soothe Eifa's nerves.

"Maama, aap janti hain..." Eifa began, but her sentence was abruptly cut off by the insistent ringing of the telephone.

(Maama, you know...)

Ishmal, who was closest to it, picked up the receiver.

"Happy birthday to the most beautiful girl in the world." Before Ishmal could even say hello, a deep voice warmly wished from the other end.

Ishmal's breath caught in her throat. It had been ages since she last heard that voice spoken with such affection. Usually, when he talked to her, it was distant, almost cold.

There was a long pause, the silence stretching uncomfortably before the voice on the other end broke it with another, more impatient "Hello, koi hai?" Still, Ishmal remained frozen, her mind seemingly unable to process anything.

(Hello? Is anyone there?)

"Kon hai?" The question was asked almost in unison by everyone in the living room, all eyes now fixed on Ishmal. Noticing her strange reaction, Eifa quickly took the phone from her, while Ishmal quietly slipped away, her stiff posture betraying exactly who was on the other end.

(Who is it?)

"Hello?" Eifa said, pressing the phone to her ear. All she could hear at first was the distant sound of wind rushing by, as if the caller was on the move.

"Eifa, yeh issey pehle kon badtameez tha." Kian's voice held a sharp edge.

(Eifa, who was ill mannered person before?)

"Kian, aram se. Ishmal thi." Eifa chided, already irritated by his tone. With that confirmation, everyone's suspicions were confirmed-Kian was indeed on the other line, and the atmosphere in the room immediately grew tense.

(Kian, take it easy. It was Ishmal.)

"Toh Ishmal ke munh mein zuban nahi? Woh bol nahi sakti?" Kian's voice grew colder, his anger now crystal clear.

(So, doesn't Ishmal have a tongue? Can't she speak?)

"Tameez se baat karo." Eifa shot back sternly. She was never one to tolerate anyone speaking harshly.

(Talk politely.)

"Mummy ko phone do, unhi ki shay pe itna barhi hai yeh." Kian's tone softened slightly, but the underlying frustration was still there.

(Give the phone to mummy, she's this arrogant because of her.)

"Badi mummy ghar pe nahi hain, tum unke cell pe call karlo." Eifa replied tersely, clearly done with this conversation.

(Aunty isn't home; call her on her mobile.)

"Unka cell off hai, kaha gayi hain woh, aaj unka off nahi?"

(Her phone is off. Where did she go? Doesn't she have the day off?)

"Main kya unki P.A lagi hoon jo maloom hoga." Eifa snapped, her brows drawing together in deep annoyance. Her hand rested firmly on her hip, her stance now one of pure defiance.

(How would I know? Am I her P.A.?)

"Kyu? You spend the whole day following her around like her P.A. Didn't you go to the hospital today?" Kian's sarcastic retort hit a nerve. It was true that Eifa idolized Ayla, spending every moment she could with her, which was why she pursued a medical career and now worked at Ayla's hospital.

"When she comes back, I'll tell her you called." Eifa cut him off, ending the conversation. She had been angry with Kian for the past two years, ever since he left home. She never responded to his texts or calls and had only spoken to him now because Ishmal had been visibly shaken by his call.

"Eifa, mana tumse chota hai woh, lekin aram se baat kiya karo ussey." Shyra gently reprimanded her, deciding it was time to intervene.

(Eifa, I know he's younger than you, but talk to him nicely.)

"Apne dekha nahi Ishmal ka chehra? Pata nahi kya kaha hoga isne ussey." Eifa defended herself, and no one else found it necessary to comment further. Though this was a private matter, Kian's behavior had been a source of tension in the house for a long time. It was no secret that he didn't like Ishmal, but only Eifa ever openly confronted him about it. Yet even she hadn't spoken to him in two years, ever since he walked out of the house.

(Did you see Ishmal's face? Who knows what he said to her.)

Before Shyra could respond, a sudden burst of noise startled them all. Eifa turned to find Lily, Eira's mischievous cat, causing chaos by bursting the balloons. Eifa hastily put the phone back, her focus now on chasing after that troublemaker.

"Eira, kaha tha na Lily ko sambhalna, isko toh ab room mein band kar dungi." Pulling her sleeves up, Eifa declared and chased after Lily.

(Eira, I told you to handle Lily. Now I'll lock her in the room.)

"Eifa, she's innocent, how would she know..." While Eira swiftly joined the pursuit to shield Lily from Eifa's impending wrath.

Ehan quickly took take his phone out to capture the playful antics of Lily evading capture

Lily dashed toward the lawn, with Eira and Eifa in hot pursuit.

In the pursuit, Eifa focused on the fleeing cat, failed to notice a pipe on the ground. She tripped over it, stumbling and landing on the lawn grass. White clothes are now tainted with dirt, her bangles shattered, Eifa lay there for a moment, stunned.

Before she could recover, Eira, with a mischievous grin, swiftly scooped up Lily and darted away, leaving Eifa on the ground without a helping hand.

As Eifa stood up, dusting off her clothes, she couldn't help but feel a pang of betrayal. "Tum behen nahi gaddar ho." she shouted after Eira, frustration evident in her voice. Turning her attention to the culprit of her fall, she discovered a pipe lying on the ground. It made her wonder who would leave such a hazard in their way.

(You're not a sister; you're a traitor.)

Eifa muttered in annoyance as she picked up the pipe carelessly left on the lawn. "Yeh pipe rakhne ki jagah hai?" Her irritation quickly turned into shock as water suddenly gushed out of the pipe, drenching her from head to toe.

(Is this the place to leave the pipe?)

"Allah!" she shrieked in surprise, fumbling with the pipe as she tried to stop the flow. "Band karo, kisne pani chalaya!" Eifa's frustration grew as she struggled to control the situation, but in her haste, she unknowingly aimed the water stream directly at someone who had just stepped into the lawn, drawn by her shouting.

(Turn it off, who turned on the water!)

"What are you doing?" He asked, his voice slightly muffled by the water running down his face. Standing there, with water dripping from his face, was none other than Shahnan Azlan Khan. He paused for a moment, running a hand through his now-soaked hair before raising an eyebrow in confusion.

Eifa's eyes widened in disbelief as she registered who she had just soaked. "Sha... Shahnan?" Her heart skipped a beat, embarrassment washing over her as she quickly tossed the pipe aside.

Shahnan, wiping his face with his sleeve. "Iss warm welcome ki wajah?" His teasing tone carried a hint of amusement. The situation was not something he had expected upon his return.

(What's with this warm welcome?)

Shahnan's white shirt now clinging to his toned physique, outlining the strength beneath. His jet-black hair, damp from the unexpected soaking, fell messily over his forehead, giving him a boyish charm despite the sharpness in his features. His striking appearance radiated a subtle, effortless manliness that was hard to ignore. The droplets of water glistened on his skin, highlighting the contours of his jawline as he wiped his face with his strong hands. Even drenched, there was an undeniable aura about him-a mix of elegance and quiet confidence that made it impossible for anyone to look away.

Before Eifa could respond, the commotion had already drawn everyone's attention. The family gathered outside to see what was going on, and the first to rush over was Rubab, Shahnan's grandmother. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw her grandson standing there, drenched but smiling.

"Shah! Kab aye aap?" Rubab hurried forward and wrapped him in a tight hug, not caring that his wet clothes would dampen her dress.

(Shah! When did you come?)

"Assalam-Alaikum," Shahnan bends down and lets her kiss his cheeks.

"Walekum-Assalam! Apne aney ka batana chahiye tha. Kisi ko airport bhej dete apko lene." Rubab exclaimed, her affection overflowing.

(You should have told us you were coming. We could have sent someone to pick you up from the airport.)

"Then how would it be a surprise?" Shahnan asked.

Rubab laughed at his reply and slapped his cheeks with love. "You're just like your dad; he also loves giving surprises."

While the crowd expressed their delight at Shahnan's unexpected return, Eifa, who was standing beside her mother now, her eyes observed from a distance.

In the midst of the greetings, Kabir, Eifa's father, teased, "Hanan jab bhi ata the barish hoti thi aur woh bheeg jata tha. Aaj barish toh nahi ho rahi, tum kaise bheege?"

(Whenever Hanan used to come, it would rain, and he would get drenched. It isn't raining today, so how did you get wet?)

Shahnan laughed, his American accent adding a unique touch to the familial atmosphere. "Well, it wasn't exactly part of the plan, but kisi ne bohot pyar se welcome kiya hai mera."

(But someone gave me a very warm welcome.)

Eifa hid behind Ehan. Not wanting anyone to know it was her who welcomed him like this.

Azlan, with a smile, asked, "Ayat Hanan bhi aye hain?" His eyes searching for his youngest daughter.

(Are Ayat Hanan here too?)

Shahnan, wiping water from his face, replied, "No, they're busy. But Momo is here with me."

He turned back, expecting to see his sister, but Sharfa was nowhere to be found.

"She was with me," Shahnan wondered.

"I'll check.." Ehan decided to investigate. He went out and soon returned, guiding Sharfa inside, his arm around her shoulder.

"Hello, everyone!" Sharfa beamed as she waved enthusiastically.

Rubab embraced her in a warm hug, then ran her fingers through Sharfa's hair, questioning, "Yeh apki hairstyle hamesha hi change kyu rehti hai?"

(Why is your hairstyle always changing?)

During Sharfa's previous visit to India, her honey-brown hair cascaded down to her waist. However, this time, it had been transformed into a shoulder-length cut with bangs, complemented by a striking yellow headband. Her 19-year-old, short, and curvy body was dressed in baggy jeans and a loose shirt.

"Momo, where were you?" Azlan asked her as he wrapped his arm around her and kissed her head.

Ehan explained, "She was taking pictures."

"Of what?"

"Street dogs ki."

Sharfa's eyes landed on her favourite cousin, and she cheerfully exclaimed, "Hey, Kullu!"

Eira cringed at the childhood nickname but corrected her, saying, "Eira!"

Sharfa looked a bit puzzled, then shrugged, "I'll meet her later."

"Chalo, ab sab andar chalo, bachha bechara bheeg gaya hai, sardi na lag jaye ussey." Rukhsar, as always, the practical one, told them.

(Alright, everyone, come inside now. The poor child got wet; he might catch a cold.)

Heeding her suggestion, the family began to move indoors, and Shyra turned to Eifa. "Tum bhi jao change karlo."

(You should go and change too.)

•••

While the family laughter echoed through the haveli, Eifa, still damp and miffed, headed upstairs to change. The unexpected chaos had shifted the focus from celebration preparations to Shahnan's surprise return.

As she entered her room, Eifa's mind swirled with a mix of emotions. She hastily changed into dry clothes, her frustration lingering. "Stupid cat." She muttered to herself, glancing at the mirror as she adjusted her damp hair.

This spacious room once belonged to Naziya Khan, her great-grandmother, and was a cherished part of the family's legacy. After Naziya's passing, the room remained locked for many years, untouched. But as Azrin and her cousins grew, they decided to breathe life back into the space.

Azrin, Eifa, and Eira loved the idea of living together and claimed the room as their own because this room was the biggest room of the haveli. Over time, it became a retreat for all the female cousins. Huda, Eifa's aunt's daughter, was the only girl among two brothers, so she often found herself here, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Even Sharfa, who lived in America, made sure to stay here whenever she visited, making this room a lively gathering spot. With time, they even added Ishmal's bed to complete the circle.

Six single beds were arranged neatly along the walls, three on each side. Above each bed's headpost, names were inscribed, giving a personal touch to the shared space.

Eifa's bed was the first on the left, marked by a floral bedsheet that hugged the mattress perfectly. Her side tables were adorned with a stack of neatly arranged books and a small ceramic pot housing a leafy green plant-her little oasis of calm. Next to her was Huda's bed, equally neat but distinctly different, with makeup items meticulously arranged on her side table, reflecting her love for beauty.

On the right, Eira's bed was a stark contrast-a lively mess with a dupatta tossed carelessly across the crumpled sheets and a stuffed toy perched near the pillows. Next to her, Sharfa's bed burst with character, a riot of colors and patterns, while her side table would soon be overflowed with snacks and junk food wrappers. Ishmal's bed, adjacent to Sharfa's, offered a breath of simplicity with its minimalistic design. Finally, there was Azrin's bed, untouched and pristinely made-a silent reminder that she no longer resided there.

The room wasn't just for sleeping; it was a world of its own. A cozy sitting area took up the centre space, inviting anyone to lounge. In one corner, a bookshelf lined with novels and magazines formed a quaint library. Nearby, Lily had her own little playground with a scratching post and soft toys scattered around. A mini fridge hummed quietly in another corner, stocked with late-night snacks and cool refreshments.

•••

Downstairs, the family gathered in the living room, sharing stories and catching up with Shahnan and Sharfa.

"You know how Mom and Dad are. Dad was busy with work, and..." Seated together in Azlan's house, Shahnan and Sharfa painted a vivid picture of their family in America.

"Aur Ayat ke bagair reh nahi sakta woh." Kabir added with a chuckle. Hanan is his cousin and best friend.

(And he can't live without Ayat.)

"Hanan abki baar aye toh hum unka kaan kheechenge. Khud toh atey nahi, unki wajah se Ayat bhi nahi ati itne itne saal." Rubab complained, as she was dearly missing her daughter.

(When Hanan comes this time, I'll pull his ears. He doesn't come, and because of him, Ayat doesn't come for years either.)

"At least this time, you two came." Azlan said.

"Aur Shahzain Khushnuma kyu nahi aye?" Huzaifa asked about his younger brother.

"They are on a trip." Sharfa started telling them about Shahzain and Khushnuma's trip.

"Right now, they must be in Italy. Hume bhi keh rahe the chalne ko, hum ja bhi rahe the, lekin, lekin jab bhai ne kaha woh yaha arahe hain toh hum bhi agaye, kitne din hue yaha aye hue." Sharfa was speaking without a pause, and everyone there was listening to her. Some were interested, and some wore perplexed expression. While Shahnan drank his water.

(They were asking me to come along too. I wanted to go, but, but when bhai said he was coming here, I came too. It's been so long since I last came.)

Sharfa's Urdu wasn't very fluent; she had mispronounced many words, but no one corrected her. Everyone was accustomed to her broken Urdu and Hindi. Sharfa was American-born, and in America, she spoke only English, but when she came to India, the excitement was such that she automatically started speaking Urdu. She was not even aware of how many words she was mispronouncing.

As Shahnan and Sharfa engaged in conversation about their trip, Eifa's eyes widened with realization. She smacked her forehead. "Oh no, the cake. I'll be right back." In a flurry of urgency, Eifa hastily left Azlan's house.

Sharfa, now puzzled, questioned, "Cake? What cake? What happened?"

"Eifa surprise party plan kar rahi hai." The mention of a surprise party instantly caught Sharfa's attention,

(Eifa is planning a surprise party.)

"Kiski party?" Her question earned her a subtle elbow from Shahnan and a pointed look.

(A surprise party for whom?)

"Oh, yes." Something in Shahnan's eyes sparked a memory for Sharfa. "Can I help?"

"Nahi, tum log tired hoge, rehne do. Aram karo. Waise bhi sara kaam ho gaya hai." Kabir reassured them, not wanting the younger ones to exhaust themselves.

(No, you all must be tired. Let it be. Take a rest. Anyway, all the work is done.)

"Arey, nahi, Chachu, hum bilkul theek hain. Bhai honge thake hue, hum toh nahi, hum toh iss waqt marathon bhi run kar sakte hain, lekin hume run karne ke liye mat kahiyega, tab, tab hum thakk sakte hain, waise Hume toh bohot experience hai surprise party ka. Humne mom ko bhi diya tha last year surprise party, lekin humse cake gir gaya, fir dad ne jaldi se dusra cake order kiya, lekin mom fir bhi khush thi, halaki humne unhi ke uppar cake gira diya tha... it was an accident." Sharfa enthusiastically shared a snippet of Ayat's party escapades.

(Oh, no, Uncle, I'm perfectly fine. Bhai might be tired, but not me. I could even run a marathon right now. But don't ask me to run; in that case, I might get tired. Otherwise, I have a lot of experience with surprise parties. Last year, I gave Mom a surprise party, but I dropped the cake, and then Dad quickly ordered another one, but Mom was still happy, even though I dropped the cake on her... it was an accident.)

"Iski help le lelo issey pehle yeh Ayat ki sari birthday parties ke barey mein batana shuru kar de." Shyra glanced at Sharfa with a tired expression, addressing Ehan.

(Take her help before she starts telling us all about Ayat's birthday parties.)

•••

Ayla Khan stepped into the house, her mood damp. Kaif followed, a hesitant expression on his face. Ayla couldn't hold back her frustration any longer.

"Agar apko apne dosto se milna ho toh agli baar akele jaiyega, hume inn sab se durr hi rakhiye." She told him, her voice tinged with irritation.

(If you want to meet your friends, go alone next time. Keep me away from all of them.)

"Kya hua, Ayla? Itn enjoy toh kiya humne." Kaif answered.

(What happened, Ayla? We had so much fun.)

Ayla shot him a sceptical glance, "Apne, humne nahi."

(You did, not me.)

Ayla couldn't shake the disappointment that clung to her on this special day.

Today was her birthday, and not a single person in her family wished her. When Kaif showed up at the hospital unannounced, Ayla thought maybe he had planned something for her, but he took her to his friends's house

Ayla, lost in her thoughts, noticed the darkness enveloping the house.

"Yeh lights iss waqt kyu off hain? Zeenat?" Curiously, she called for the househelp. But no one came to her call.

(Why are the lights off at this time? Zeenat?)

Before she could take another step, a deafening burst echoed through the air, causing her to instinctively close her eyes tightly.

As she cautiously opened her eyes, a cascade of soft rose petals gently fell around her, creating a breathtaking scene. Ayla looked up in astonishment, her gaze meeting a beautifully decorated living room, illuminated by the warm glow of lights. The air was filled with cheers and shouts of "Surprise!"

Her family, with beaming smiles, stood before her, their eyes reflecting the joy of the moment.

"Yeh sab?" Ayla felt a mixture of emotions - surprise, happiness, and a tinge of guilt for doubting their intentions earlier. She turned to Kaif.

(All of this?)

"Badi mummy, apko kya laga, hum apka birthday bhool jayenge?" Ehan asked, a grin on his face, "Of course not, we planned a surprise party for you."

(Did you really think we would forget your birthday?)

"Aap sab ne? I know this must have been Eifa's idea." Ayla, touched and slightly embarrassed, replied.

(All of you?)

Ehan was disheartened. His good deeds were rarely appreciated by others. Though, he doesn't do good deeds either. He often takes credit for Eifa's work, believing that being twins meant their efforts were interchangeable.

"We all planned it together." Eifa answered. Making Ehan smile big again.

"Eifa, iski kya..." Before Ayla could express her gratitude to Eifa, Ayla's eyes caught Sharfa standing beside her. A surge of happiness filled Ayla

(Eifa, what's this...)

"Momo? Shah? Aap log kab aye?" She went to Sharfa and tightly hugged her.

(Momo? Shah? When did you two arrive?)

"Now, this is a real surprise for me." Kissing Sharfa's cheeks, Ayla said.

Sharfa was just like her parents - the charm of the haveli. Just like Ayat, Sharfa was the youngest one among the cousins, and most adored one, and just like Hanan, she was mischievous. There wasn't anyone with whom she didn't get along, and there wasn't anyone on whom she hadn't played a prank. Ayla affectionately called her Chota Hanan.

"Humne socha tha next week aney ka, lekin mom ne bataya aaj apka birthday aur hume aaj ana chahiye, toh hum agaye. Mom and Dad sent gifts for you too, but I forgot to take them out of the suitcase; I'll give them to you later." Sharfa told her everything in single breath.

(We were planning to come next week, but Mom told us today is your birthday and that we should come today, so here we are.)

"Aap log aye hain wahi humara gift hai, aur gifts ki zaroorat nahi." Ayla pinched her cheek and told her.

(The fact that you both are here is gift enough for me, no need for anything else.)

"I'll bring the cake." Eifa remembers and quickly ran to the kitchen.

"How was your journey?" Ayla asked Sharfa.

Sharfa smiled hugely. "The journey was fine, but bhai aur humari seats alag thi, aur humare side ek lady baithi thi apne baby ke sath, uss baby ne toh hume headache hi de diya, itna koi rota hai bhala? I think traveling with babies shouldn't be allowed aur pata hai, Khala, pata hai jab hum..." Sharfa was telling everything in detail to Ayla until Ehan stopped her.

(Bu bhai and I were seated separately, and there was a lady sitting next to me with her baby, who gave me such a headache from crying so much! I think travelling with babies should be banned, and you know, Auntie, you know when I...)

"Saans le lo!"

(Take a breath!)

"Huh?" Confusingly, she looked at Ehan.

"Breath!" Ehan told her as well as took a deep breath. Because he was out of breath listening to her non-stop chatter.

This did make her shut, but only for a second, "Le liya humne saans. Aur pata hai, Khala, woh humse humari window seat demand karne lagi, kehti unka baby clouds dekhke calm rahega. Humne bhi socha clouds dekhke hum bhi calm rehte hain, lekin hum mana nahi kar paye, phir airport pe humara luggage nahi mil raha tha lekin bhai ko mila baad mein..."

(I've taken a breath. And you know, Auntie, she asked me to give up my window seat so that her baby could see the clouds and stay calm. I thought I could also stay calm by watching the clouds, but I couldn't say no, and then at the airport, I couldn't find my luggage, but bhai got it later...)

"Ajaye, sab." Eifa entered the room, presenting a beautifully decorated cake, and called everyone.

(Come on, everyone.)

"Haan, chaliye, hume bhook lagi hai." Sharfa quickly said, as she turns to leave but her foot twisted, making her almost fall, but Ehan, who was also leaving after her and was just behind her, hold her.

(Yes, let's go, I'm hungry.)

"Ehan bhai, aap humare piche kya kar rahe hain?" Instead of thanking him for saving her from falling, she asked.

(Ehan bhai, what are you doing behind me?)

"Tumhe girne se bacha raha hoon." Ehan told her, as well as pushed her to stand up.

(Saving you from falling.)

Ayla, taking in the beautiful blue and white decorations, noticed that the colour scheme was her favourite. Her gaze shifted to the saree she was wearing - a white saree with blue stones at the border - a gift from Kaif earlier that day.

"Isliye apne hume yeh saree di aur hume apne dost ke yaha le gaye taki hum waqt se pehle yaha na aye?" she asked Kaif, a soft smile playing on her lips.

(So that's why you gave me this saree and took me to your friend's house so that I wouldn't come back here early?)

Kaif grinned, "shukar, tumhe mere efforts bhi dikhe."

(Thank goodness, you noticed my efforts.)

"Wow, it's beautiful." Sharfa commented, seeing the cake.

Ayla instantly recognized Eifa's touch. "Eifa, itna sab karne ki kya zaroorat thi, aap sab yaha hain humare liye yahi kafi hai." Ayla said, touched by the effort.

(Eifa, you didn't need to go through all this trouble. Having you all here is enough for me.)

Kaif chimed in, "Come on, Ayla. Bachho ke efforts ko appreciate karo."

(Come on, Ayla. Appreciate the children's efforts.)

Ayla scowled, "Aap toh mat boliye, itne saal ho gaye humari shadi ko apne kabhi hume surprise nahi diya. Apse zyada toh bachhe humse pyar karte hain."

(You don't get to talk. We've been married for so many years, and you've never given me a surprise. The kids love me more than you do.)

"At least tumne accept toh kiya main tumse pyar karta hoon, bachho se kam hi sahi." Kaif, with a mischievous smile, whispers. Making Ayla's cheeks turn red.

(At least you've admitted that I love you, even if it's less than they do.)

"Ayla, ab cake cut bhi kr dijiye!" Rubab urged, seeing Sharfa's eyes solely on cake. But Ayla, expecting someone, glanced around the house with a hint of disappointment. Her gaze met Kaif's, who shook his head, signalling that the expected person wasn't here.

(Ayla, please cut the cake now!)

With a smile, Ayla proceeded to cut the cake, not wanting to dampen the joy around her.

"Kya mere begair party hogi?" The words hung in the air as everyone turned to see Kian standing casually at the door with that characteristic smirk, adding a dramatic flair to the moment.

(Will there be a party without me?)

"Kian!" Ayla's eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of her son, and without a moment's hesitation, she enveloped him in a warm, tight embrace. Her happiness was evident, reflecting the affection she had for Kian. The room buzzed with excitement as everyone greeted him warmly, except Ishmal, whose gaze instinctively locked onto his face for a fleeting second before she quickly averted her eyes. Her heart raced, and she tried to steady herself, but her emotions betrayed her. Eifa, sensing her unease, squeezed her hand gently in reassurance, offering silent support.

Kian too, was a doctor, following in his mother's footsteps. Although he and Eifa had completed their graduation together, Kian had pursued further studies out of India. He had returned after 2 years.

"Happy birthday, mummy," Kian said with a genuine smile as he handed her a small, thoughtfully wrapped gift. Ayla's joy at his arrival was immense, yet beneath that happiness, a subtle sadness lingered-Azrin's absence gnawed at her heart. Despite living in the same city, Azrin rarely visited, her last visit being during Huzaifa's illness. This gap in their once-close family dynamic left a void that even Kian's presence couldn't completely fill.

Aala Azrin Khan was the eldest among all the cousins after Huda's brother, Arsalan. Being the firstborn, she was the apple of everyone's eye for many years, enjoying an abundance of love and attention. Her special status allowed her freedoms and privileges the other cousins often envied. Eifa and Eira particularly felt this disparity. While their parents rarely refused them anything, Rukhsar Khan's word was final, and if she disapproved, it was non-negotiable-except when it came to Azrin, who somehow always managed to get her way. Even Rukhsar, known for her stern nature, would relent under Azrin's charm.

Life had a peculiar way of dealing with those showered with affection in their early years, and Aala Azrin was living proof of that. Her journey from the carefree, beloved child to someone distant and detached spoke volumes about how circumstances can alter one's path.

As Kian settled in and conversations flowed, Ayla couldn't help but think of the missing pieces in her heart. Her eyes occasionally drifted toward the door, hoping that perhaps Azrin would surprise them all too, though deep down, she knew that was unlikely.

•••

Cake was being served when the maid approached Shahnan with a tray. He signaled with his hand to decline, remaining quiet as the server turned to give the cake to Sharfa instead. But just then, Ayla commented, "Eifa, wakai bohot achha cake banaya hai tumne."

(Eifa, you've really made a wonderful cake.)

Hearing this, Shahnan reconsidered and turned back to the server. "Actually, mujhe bhi chahiye." he said.

(Actually, I want some too.)

"Bro, how many calories are in one slice?" Sharfa asked softly in Shahnan's ear. Given that Shahnan was a gym freak and monitored every calorie, it wasn't surprising that he usually avoided sweets.

"Today is my cheat day," Shahnan winked at her.

Kian took a bite of the cake, his eyes widening in mock surprise. "Doctor Sahiba, kis masoom ka credit kha rahi hain aap iss cake ko apna batake?" he teased.

(Doctor Sahiba, whose innocent effort are you taking credit for by claiming this cake as yours?)

"Masha'Allah se itna talent hai ki kisi dusre ka credit khane ki zaroorat nahi." Eifa quipped, pretending to adjust an invisible collar. Despite her annoyance with Kian, she quickly forgot everything as her favorite cousin arrived, and the playful banter between them resumed like old times.

(Masha'Allah, I have so much talent that I don't need to take credit for someone else's work.)

Meanwhile, Shahnan, noticing the friendly exchange, clenched his fist unhappily, his gaze fixed on Kian. Sensing the tension, Sharfa quickly shifted the focus by asking Azlan, "Baba, you didn't tell us what happened next."

"Oh, where was I?" Azlan asked, taking a plate of cake. Before the cake was served, he had been sharing childhood stories about their parents.

"Dad ghum ho gaye the," Sharfa reminded him.

(Dad got lost,)

"Papa ke sath," Eira added.

(With Papa,)

"Haan, ghar mein sab itne pareshaan ho gaye ki chale kaha gaye, zyada age nahi thi inki, 6 saal ke the bas, uppar se gaov ka rasta inhe kya pata. Huzaifa bhai haveli mein dhoond rahe the ki khel mein chup gaye ho, main aur Shahzain gaov mein dhoondne nikle."

(Yes, everyone at home was so worried about where they'd gone. They were quite young, only six years old, and had no idea about the village roads. Huzaifa Bhai was searching the haveli, thinking they were hiding while playing, while Shahzain and I went out to search the village.)

"Bohot derr baad jab Maghrib hone lagi tab gaov ke bahar mile, baki bachho ke sath cricket khel rahe the, garmi, dhool mitti kisi ka hosh nahi tha inn dono ko. Waha pe toh kisi bachhe ka chehra hi nahi samajh raha tha mitti ki wajah se, main toh pehchan hi nahi paya, Shahzain ne Hanan ko pehchana." Azlan continued, and all eyes shifted toward Kabir.

(After a long time, just as Maghrib was approaching, we found them outside the village, playing cricket with other kids. They were so engrossed that they didn't care about the heat, dust, or anything else. You couldn't even recognize any of the kids because of all the dust on their faces. I couldn't recognize them, but Shahzain identified Hanan.)

The usually calm and composed Kabir, always impeccably dressed, seemed worlds apart from the boy who once played in the dirt. His children-Ehan, Eifa, and Eira-struggled to imagine their father in such a state.

"Hanan ka idea tha," Kabir mumbled shyly, avoiding eye contact.

(It was Hanan's idea.)

"Hanan ke dimagh mein toh hamesha kuch na kuch ulta seedha hi chalta tha aur sath mein Kabir ko phasa deta tha." Rukhsar sided with her son.

(Hanan always had something mischievous going on in his mind, and he would always drag Kabir into it.)

"Ghar mein toh bohot daat parhi hogi na?" Ehan asked. If it had been him in Kabir's place, he knew his mother would have been furious.

(They must have gotten scolded at home, right?)

"Maine toh Kabir ko jab tak hum gaov mein the haveli se nikalne nahi diya, aur Hanan se bhi milne ko mana kar diya tha," Rukhsar revealed.

(I didn't let Kabir leave the haveli as long as we were in the village and forbade him from meeting Hanan.)

"Aur Hanan ko koi ghar pe rukwa nahi sakta tha, yun ghar se nikalta tha ki aap samne reh kar bhi notice na kar pao. Haan woh Kabir se nahi mil sakte the yeh zaroor ek badi saza thi unke liye," Rubab added with a laugh, the warmth of memories filling the room.

(And no one could keep Hanan at home. He would sneak out so quietly that even if you were right there, you wouldn't notice. Yes, not being able to meet Kabir was a big punishment for him.)

•••

After the cake, Rukhsar suggested it was time to eat, especially since three people had returned from a long journey and must be hungry.

Kian excused himself, saying he would put his things in his room.

Eifa and Huda went to the kitchen to offer help. Meanwhile, Sharfa sat comfortably chatting with her grandparents.

"Where's Ishmal?" Huda noticed her absence and asked while setting the table with Eifa.

"Must be in her room." Eifa replied casually.

"Sab yaha hai woh kamre mein kya kar rahi?" Huda was surprised since Ishmal was usually with them, forming their close-knit trio.

(Why is she in her room when everyone is here?)

"Kisiko uski jagah batani hai."

(She needs to remind someone of her place.)

Huda understood her meaning and nodded.

•••

Kian headed toward his room with his bag, but when he tried to open the door, it was locked. Puzzled, he turned the knob again, still finding it locked. Confused, he knocked.

Inside, Ishmal, sitting on the bed, heard the knock and felt a moment of panic. But then she took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and went to open the door.

She stood in the doorway, arms folded across her chest, staring at Kian with confusion.

Kian looked back at her with the same expression, expecting her to step aside, but she stood firm, blocking his way into the room.

"Samne se hato," Kian commanded.

(Move out of the way.)

"Apko koi kaam tha?" Ishmal asked softly yet firmly.

(Did you need something?)

"Hato, mujhe apna saman rakhna hai." Kian pointed at his bag.

(Move, I need to put my stuff here.)

"Yeh mera kamra hai." Ishmal still didn't move.

(This is my room.)

"Bachpan se toh yeh mera kamra tha. Ab hato mujhe samna rakhne do." Kian, now intending to push past her, moved forward, but Ishmal leaned against the door, preventing him from entering.

(This has been my room since childhood. Now move so I can put my things down.)

"Aap shayad samjhe nahi, Kian, Yeh mera kamra hai." Ishmal emphasized each word.

(Perhaps you didn't understand, Kian. This is my room now.)

"Fine, tumhara hi kamra hai, ab hato." Kian agreed without arguing further. He was in a good mood after meeting everyone after two years and didn't want Ishmal to spoil it.

(Fine, it's your room. Now move.)

"Haan toh aap phir apne rehne ka kahi aur dekh lein." Ishmal suggested calmly, but Kian's calmness evaporated.

(Then you should look for somewhere else to stay.)

"What?" The shock was evident in his voice. Ishmal was kicking him out of his room. "Main kyu jau kahi aur?"

(Why should I go somewhere else?)

"Kyuki yaha ab main rehti hoon, toh aap yaha nahi reh sakte. Aap guest room mein reh sakte hain." Ishmal said confidently, but Kian's patience was wearing thin.

(Because I live here now, so you can't stay here. You can stay in the guest room.)

"Tum mujhe mere ghar mein, mere hi kamre se nikal rahi ho." Kian's voice grew dangerously quiet, making Ishmal flinch for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. What more harm could he do beyond what he'd already done?

(You're kicking me out of my room in my own house?)

"Yeh mera bhi ghar hai, yeh mera kamra hai." Ishmal asserted.

(This is my house too, and this is my room.)

"Iss ghar meri biwi ki hesiyat se ho tum, aur mujhe hi kamre se nikalogi?" Kian raised an eyebrow.

(You're in this house as my wife, and now you'll kick me out of my own room?)

Ishmal averted her gaze. Yes, her rights in the house were due to that relationship, but Kian had never respected that bond.

"Aap mujhe humari shadi wali raat reject kar chuke hain, isliye main uss rishte ka koi bharam nahi rakhungi. Main yaha mummy papa ki beti ki hesiyat se hoon. Apko problem hai, toh aap unse baat karein." With that, Ishmal slammed the door shut in Kian's face.

(You rejected me on our wedding night, so I won't pretend to care about this relationship. I'm here as the daughter of mummy papa. If you have a problem, take it up with them.)

Kian stormed out, ready to complain about Ishmal to his parents. And he ran into Kaif on the way.

"Kian, tumhare liye niche wala guest room saaf karwa diya hai." Kaif informed him calmly, leaving Kian stunned.

(Kian, I've had the guest room downstairs cleaned for you.)

"Papa, main guest room mein rahu?"

(Papa, I have to stay in the guest room?)

"Tum itne saal baad aye, isliye tumhe koi kuch bol nahi raha. Warna tumne jo kiya hai, lawn mein bhi tumhe jagah na dete hum. Achha hoga saman leke guest room mein jao tum." Kaif might have delivered the warning with ease, but it carried a stern edge only a father could give.

(You've come back after so many years, so no one is saying anything. Otherwise, after what you've done, we wouldn't even give you a place in the lawn. It would be best if you took your things to the guest room.)

Kian knew he couldn't argue with his father. Quietly, he picked up his bag and headed to the guest room, but his anger toward Ishmal only grew.

"Mere parents ko mere khilaf kar diya hai. Tumse iska badla toh main leke rahunga." He vowed as he began unpacking in the guest room.

(You've turned my parents against me. I'll make sure to take revenge for this.)

•••

"Eifa, tumhare hath mein kya hua?" The bowl paused mid-air as Eifa's hand caught Rukhsar Khan's attention.

(Eifa, what happened to your hand?)

"Churhi toot gayi thi." Eifa examined her hands, looking at the injury marks because she fell in the lawn, and then elaborated.

(The bangle broke.)

"Kitni baar kaha hai kanch ki churhiya na pehna karo. Gold ke pehna karo." Rukhsar scolded her with the same stern demeanor.

(How many times have I told you not to wear glass bangles? Wear gold ones instead.)

Eifa stayed silent, quietly focusing on her food. She didn't like wearing bangles at all. It was cumbersome to work with them, but she wore them for her grandmother's sake. Rukhsar always insisted on wearing gold bangles, she had given Eifa a lovely gold set too. However, in her everyday life, Eifa preferred not to wear gold bangles and would wear glass ones instead, just to avoid making her grandmother angry.

"Ehan, pass the salt." Huda instructed Ehan, who was sitting opposite of her at the dining table, with the salt shaker in front of him.

Ehan, who was enjoying his biryani, immediately passed the salt without looking up, busy with his meal.

A loud gasp escaped from Huda's mouth, grabbing everyone's attention. Perhaps the shaker's lid was loose, causing all the salt to spill on Huda's plate.

"Ehan!" Shyra sharply looked at her son, who was perplexed by what had just happened. Both Eifa and Ehan were mischievous; it was evident they took after their father. Even at this age, they hadn't outgrown their habit of playing small silly pranks.

"Main nahi..." but Ehan was also bewildered.

(I didn't...)

"Momo!" This time, Shahnan sternly called out to Sharfa, who was suppressing her laughter with her hands.

"It was just a little prank." Chuckling, Sharfa explained.

"Momo, you shouldn't do such things to your sister." Rubab tried to make Sharfa understand with affection.

"She wasn't my target. I just loosened it, baki jiska naseeb." Sharfa innocently excused herself.

(The rest was fate.)

"Tunhara naseeb achha nahi, Huda." Ehan remarked, chuckling, then he winked at Sharfa.

(Your luck isn't that great, Huda.)

Huda, who was already bewildered by Sharfa's prank, became more irritated with Ehan's words.

"You shouldn't joke like that during meals." Seeing the frustration on Huda's face, Rukhsar scolded Sharfa.

"Yeh toh usko baap dada se virasat mein mila hai, usko kuch mat boliye, Rukhsar." Huzaifa promptly intervened, casting a loving glance at Sharfa.

(She inherited this from her dad and grandfather, don't say anything to her, Rukhsar.)

Sharfa, who had flinched at Rukhsar's scolding, regained her composure with Huzaifa's words. However, as soon as her gaze fell on her elder brother, her smile faded. Shahnan gestured to Sharfa to apologize.

"Sorry, Huda api." Like a good child, Sharfa immediately apologized.

•••

The clock struck midnight, signalling the end of the lively celebration. The elders had retired to their rooms, leaving the young generation to bask in the remnants of the festive atmosphere. The room was dimly lit, adorned with scattered wrapping paper and remnants of laughter.

Eifa, however, excused herself. The weariness from tirelessly preparing for the party lingered in her eyes. Instead of going to her room, she silently made her way in the aangan, the soft glow of the moon welcoming her. Eifa sat on the jhula, gazing into the distance.

Not much time had passed when a deep voice came from behind her.

"I've come back after two years, and you couldn't even ask how I am?" From behind Eifa, his voice emerged like a deep, captivating murmur, catching her off guard with its powerful yet alluring tone.

Eifa's breath caught; she recognized his scent from close proximity.

"But no, you just hid here." He straightened up, voicing another grievance.

"Why would I hide from you?" Eifa asked, her voice firm as she composed herself, and turned to him.

"Aur rahi baat haal puchne ki toh tumhe dekhke koi bhi keh sakta hai theek ho, balki bohot achhe ho." Standing up, Eifa gestured toward him.

(And as for asking how you are, anyone can tell just by looking at you that you're fine, in fact, you're doing great.)

He was already tall, but perhaps during these years, his height had increased. A few years ago, Eifa could reach his shoulders, but now he seemed even taller, and Eifa, with her 5'6ft height, only reached around his chest. Moreover, she knew he had been disciplined in going to the gym, evident in his toned physique visible through the shirt, showcasing his biceps. He didn't seem four years younger anymore; instead, Eifa now appeared significantly younger than him.

"Sach, Shahnan, tum toh kuch saalo mein itna badal gaye ho, yakeenan tumhare iss look pe kafi larkiyan marti hongi. Sach sach batao, kitni girlfriends hain tumhari?" Eifa teased, trying to maintain composure after the unexpected rush of emotions from his proximity moments ago.

(Honestly, Shahnan, you've changed so much in just a few years. I'm sure a lot of girls must be after you now. Tell me honestly, how many girlfriends do you have?)

Shahnan's eyes widened in shock at Eifa's direct question, but soon, an arrogant smirk crept onto his face.

"Eifa, aap toh American girls ko bhi peeche chorh rahi hain, itni openly toh woh bhi check out nahi karti, na hi relationship status puchti hain." He said with a raised eyebrow.

(Eifa, you're even beating American girls at this. They don't check people out so openly, nor do they ask about relationship status like this.)

Eifa, caught off guard and slightly embarrassed, quickly masked her emotions. "Oh, please, I was just asking casually. If you don't want to tell me, then don't." She tried to play it off, but her earlier teasing demeanour had faltered.

Shahnan took a step closer, Eifa felt an involuntary shiver run down her spine. His proximity made her uneasy, and the strong scent of his cologne overwhelmed her senses. She tried to maintain composure, but her slightly widened eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness.

"Can I hide anything from you?" Shahnan's tone was unusually soft, a side of him that rarely came out.

"Rehne do, waha toh yeh sab waise bhi aam hain, aur ho hi nahi sakta tumhari koi girlfriend na ho." Eifa tried to mask her nervousness with a scoff, pretending to be annoyed.

(Leave it, over there it's quite normal anyway, and it's impossible that you don't have a girlfriend.)

"Aap shakk kar rahi hain mujhpe?" Shahnan crossed his arms over his chest, observing Eifa's shifting expressions with amusement.

(Are you doubting me?)

"Uffo, tum toh kaha ki baat kaha le ja rahe ho. Abhi bhi bilkul pehle jaise hi dheet ho." Eifa tried to sound stern, but her attempt at authority vanished when Shahnan's playful demeanor abruptly disappeared.

(Oh, you're blowing this out of proportion. You're still just as stubborn as before.)

Uncrossing his arms, he took a step closer, and Eifa found herself staring at him in surprise. He was so close now that he could easily hear her quickened heartbeat.

"Yeh kis lehze mein baat kar rahi hain aap mujhse?" His voice was low, carrying a strange intensity that made Eifa unable to look away from his face. His strikingly handsome features were captivating, the kind of masculine beauty that could enchant anyone. The full moon's light bathed him, enhancing his charm.

(In what tone are you speaking to me?)

"Tameez se baat karein, shohar hoon main apka." A mesmerizing smile tugged at his lips again, the kind that could make anyone's heart flutter.

(Speak respectfully, I'm your husband.)