The night sky shimmered with the brilliant glow of city lights, casting a magical aura over Islamabad's picturesque streets. Cars raced by, carrying people homeward or to other destinations.
Inside the Malik household, a beautifully arranged dining table awaited its diners, adorned with a tempting variety of dishes.
"Where's Ayla?" inquired her grandmother, noticing her absence from the dinner table.
"She's studying. She'll have her dinner later" Ayla's mother told. Ayla, in her final year of medical school, was barely seen these days, so engrossed in her studies.
After dinner, Almir continued his nightly tradition, strolling into the garden with his father before heading to his room. However, this time, he made a detour to the kitchen. Assembling a plate of food, he carried it to Ayla's room.
He gently knocked on her door and, upon hearing her response, entered. Ayla was perched at her study desk, her hair tied in a bun and her reading glasses adding a charming touch. The table was filled with books.
Almir found himself lost in her presence, momentarily forgetting to speak. Ayla, sensing his presence, cleared her throat to regain his attention.
"How are your exams going?" he finally asked, breaking his reverie.
"Fine" she replied. He placed the plate on her desk, carefully setting aside her books.
"Why did you bring this?" she wondered. Her preparations for a tough exam had left her oblivious to her hunger but she never thought he would bring food for her.
"Because I know that when you're studying, you forget everything else" he responded. Ayla was taken aback, surprised by his caring gesture.
"Enjoy your meal and best of luck" he wished before leaving the room. She smiled and expressed her gratitude.
As he went from her room, with enjoying food she called Zoniya, Almir's younger sister and her cousin, who was a year her junior and currently in Lahore for an event. She shared the surprising news of her brother's visit to her room with a plate of food, leaving Zoniya in disbelief.
"No way. I know Bhai is caring, but bringing you food to your room? Don't tease me, Aylo" Zoniya replied skeptically. The two girls chatted for a while about this unexpected turn of events.
Meanwhile, in his own room, Almir sat down with his laptop and files, attempting to focus on work. However, his thoughts kept drifting back to Ayla.
Why do I feel different now?
Why does she seem so special to me?
Arghhh!
After struggling with thoughts, he managed to divert his mind toward his work, leaving behind the lingering questions and a newfound feelings for his cousin.
It was another day when Ayla sighed in relief as she collapsed onto the living room sofa. Finally hard work and patience of five years ended, competing her dream degree. Her grandmother couldn't help but shake her head at her dedicated granddaughter.
Murmring few prayers, she lovingly kissed her forehead. Then she took few notes from her clutch, which was on table. Rounding above her head she gave to one of maid.
"Zindagi mein tamam khushiyan tumhein milein Meri beti"
Ayla's mother walked over with a glass of juice with slight moist eyes. Taking from her mother's hand Ayla placed glass on table and hugged her mother wrapping her hands around her waist, finding comfort in her presence, and her mother planted a gentle kiss on her head. Almir's mother and her grandmother exchanged knowing glances, seeing their little girl back to her cheerful self.
"Mama, could you please make biryani today?" Ayla requested with a smile. Having completed her finals and her last year of medical school, she felt a tremendous sense of relief, knowing she had taken the first step toward her success.
"Of course Meri Jan" Her mother replied, patting her cheek affectionately before excusing herself to the kitchen.
In the evening, Ayla descended the stairs after enjoying a long, peaceful sleep without the burden of studying. She was delighted to find her father sitting in the lounge, having returned from a business trip. She rushed toward him with a warm greeting.
"Baba!"
He affectionately kissed her head and pulled her into a side hug. They caught up on each other's lives, from her studies to his business ventures and even delved into some politics.
"Hey motti" Saad, her phupho's son, playfully smacked her from behind.
"I'm still here" Faiq Malik shot him a mock glare.
"Sorry, Mamu" Saad sheepishly smiled, and Ayla responded by sticking her tongue out, earning herself a playful threat from him.
Aliya Malik called them to dinner, and Almir, fresh from the office, joined them at the table.
"I love you Mama. This biryani is delicious" Ayla praised between bites.
"What are your thoughts on marriage, Almir?" their grandmother suddenly asked, breaking the dinner conversation.
"Whatever feels right to all of you" he replied, inwardly bracing himself for the impending discussion. He knew that if he said no now, his mother would launch into a lecture.
"I hope she will be different from bhai" Saad whispered in Ayla's ear, making her giggle. But someone on table didn't like the exchange.
His mother and grandmother beamed with happiness upon hearing his approval. Now their mission was to find a suitable bride for him.
Later on everyone got occupied into their night routines.
...........
Sorry for late & Thank you for unconditional love 🤍