Shehryaar's POV
"You okay?" I asked Atif who seemed a little uneasy as he kept running his eyes around the mosque. He looked agigated for some odd reasons.
"Hey.." I nudged his elbow and he dropped his eyes on me, inhaling deeply.
"Woh aayega na?" He choked out finally as he searched for my eyes and I froze for a moment hearing his question. I thought he was nervous about his wedding but here, he was worrying for Hussain. I sighed as I lowered my eyes and bit my lower lip, I don't know what to reply him when I was unsure myself.
"I...I don't know. I couldn't reach him nor Aman." I replied weakly as I looked up at him and he closed his eyes helplessly.
"Chill man! Let's hope for the best." Waqas patted Atif's shoulder and he opened his eyes again.
"I missed him. I thought he will never give up on us...on my wedding but he.." Atif sighed lowly as he looked down with hurt clearly evident in his voice and I felt so bad.
Hussain, you better prove him wrong. Make him believe, you are still the old Hussain. Please...please come.
"Yaar, don't get upset. I'm sure he will attend your Nikaah." I tried to convinced him and he let out a slight sigh as he dropped his shoulders down.
"You should have took me along with you that day...I'd have met him and he will sure be here with us right now. But see, we are sitting here unsure." He spoke looking at my face, disheartened I can say and I hurriedly shook my head hearing him. I wanted to speak but then another voice overtook mine.
"Woh aayega Atif...fikr na karo. Usse aana hi parega." Waqas said seriously, his face muscles were strained and his eyes conveyed an extreme anger, they were red. He was really angry with Hussain.
I gulped down looking at both of them, I had no words to even say anything as I barely talked to Hussain since I left Mumbai. He must probably be busy, I don't know, I can't anticipate him nowadays.
"Look! Maulvi Sahaab is here!"
Random people started saying and I looked up to find an elderly looking man with bristles covered his face stepping in with two men beside him and few men got up to welcome him.
"Wait! I don't want to get married just yet..." Atif suddenly spoke and I gasped aloud, he was in the middle of his sentence when I hurriedly cut his words.
"Don't you dare do anything stupid!!" I half-yelled in his face, I controlled my tone to not let anyone else hear it.
"Atif! Don't repeat the same mistake Hussain did...just look at her there. You are not going to do the same thing to her again." Waqas popped his eyes saying as he held Atif's arm, his stern voice showed his fear and Atif rolled his eyes at us.
"Main pagal nahi hoon okay? I meant to say, I'll wait for some more time...until Hussain's here, then only I'll proceed." He replied and I sighed in relied, Waqas face turned smooth as well and I smacked Atif's head who was hiding his amusement.
"But what if he didn't come?" Waqas blurted out all of sudden and Atif shot a look at him.
"Maulvi Sahaab, aap parhna shuru kar dijiye." Atif's Dad suddenly announced and the mosque turned silence at once.
"Bismillah..." Just when the Maulvi started, Atif hurriedly interjected.
"Maulvi Sahaab, can we wait for a few minutes? I'm waiting for someone." Atif said and Maulvi Sahaab blinked at him, confused and shocked at the same time.
"Atif?" His Dad voiced out with his frown eyebrows and Atif looked at him with his puppy eyes.
"Dad please...just few minutes more. Hussain is still not here." He almost pleaded and his Dad sighed heavily, gave up.
"Okay. As you wish." He replied and stepped away from us.
"Shehryaar beta." I heard a soft voice beside me along with a hand on my shoulder and I instantly looked up to Mama.
"Jee Mama?" I responded, couldn't stop the frowns from appearing on my forehead when she bent down towards me.
"I need to talk to you." She said and my frowns grew even deeper.
"O..okay." I stammered a little before I stood up and followed her to one corner of the mosque.
"What's that, Mama? Are you okay??" I hurriedly asked when I saw traces of worry on her face and I held her hands in my, I sensed shivers.
"Hussain...he'll...he'll come na?" She asked just above a whisper as she clutched my hands tight, her eyes were slightly glassy and she was faltering for a moment.
"Mama! Calm down okay!" I hurriedly pulled her into me and wrapped my arms around her back as she hid her face in my chest.
"Don't be weak na." My voice wavered as I spoke and I felt warmth in my eyes. I could feel her heart was jolting within her chest, she was restless and I gulped down.
"But Hussain..." She was about to speak more when I pulled up and cupped her cheeks.
"I promise you, if he didn't come...I'll take you to him. I promise." I said looking straight in her eyes and she for once just stared at my face, as if she was searching for the veracity in my words.
"Okay?" I raised my eyebrows asking her as I brushed my thumbs under her lashlines and she let out a heavy breath.
"Now, smile." I added as I dropped my thumbs to her lips and stretched them upwards. A slight giggle escaped her lips finally and lit up a smile on my face as well.
"That's like my good mother." I said as I leaned in a little and kissed her forehead.
After few seconds, I pulled out and right then my mobile buzzed. I took it out from my pocket and saw I have received a text message. Opening it up, my lips were curved into a giant smile and I felt as if somebody poured some cold water in my veins.
I then held Mama's wrist and brought her to the centre of the mosque again.
"Atif! It's getting late now. We have to start the ceremony." I heard Atif's Dad saying and Atif inhaled deeply.
"Dad please! Just few minutes more...I'm sure Hussain will come. He will never miss my big day." Atif tried his best to convince his Dad who had those disapproving lines on his face. Thinking that I should stop the chaos, I opened my mouth.
"Maulvi Sahaab! You can start reading!" I announced, leaving everyone in shock looking at me as I grinned widely.
Hussain's POV
After almost three years, I was finally in New York again. After the IIFA event, I landed straight in New York. I was finally in my own city, the atmosphere, the noises, the always busy-like people and everything here made a smile curve on my lips.
Moreover, being away from the camera flashes, the fake smile I always give, surrounded by the crowds, fans and all the limelight just made my smile grow even wider. I was at peace thinking that I can be myself though for a short time.
Just by stepping on the ground, brought back so many memories I have created here since my teenage days, since I moved here when I was twelve. Those memories were something special and close to my heart and this city was where I actually started my journey of being an actor. To be honest, my brothers were my big support and of course without the three of them, I wouldn't even be near my ambition.
I felt myself dwelled in those memories; the happiness, sadness, jokes, love, wishes, laughter, tears and everything that we have shared together made a part of me cringe. I missed each one of them and the truth was, I can't wait to meet them though I was nervous. I was uncertain thinking of their reactions.
"Sir.." Aman's voice broke me out of my thoughts along with a tap on my shoulder which caused me to bounce in my feet. I quickly stabilize myself and shifted my attention on him.
"Yeah?" I questioned dumbly and he rolled his eyes.
"Where were you off to? I've been yelling your name like tenth times already!" He made a face at me, annoyed and I felt heat rushed up to my face. I grinned idiotically at him to cover up my stupidity to day dreaming at the airport's entrance.
"Come on Sir! The Taxi's waiting!" He told while pointing at the Yellow cab not far from me and I buttoned up the middle button of my Black coat.
"Chalo." I said as I started walking and he followed me behind.
I got in the cab and leaned my back in my the seat as Aman got from another side. The car started moving and I raised my hand up to look at the watch that gripping my wrist. It showed it was almost 6PM which also meant, Atif's Nikah ceremony has already taken place.
He must have already crowned with the title husband by now, all four of us used to scatter away hearing the word 'marriage' but now all of them were already tied in a relationship, I couldn't help but a slight chuckle escaped my lips on the thought.
Alhamdulillah.
The car ride came to a halt and I looked out of the window to find I was in front of a hotel.
Aman gave the driver his share and then we both stepped out of the cab. I took my bag while Aman took his before we entered the hotel.
"Hi! How can I help you, Sir?" The blonde receptionist asked us and Aman glanced at me beside him as I instantly spoke up.
"Hey! I believed I have booked a room here." I said and she furrowed looking at me.
"May I know on what name, Sir?" She asked politely with that smile never left her lips and Aman just stood there disinterestedly while playing with his mobile, letting me handle it.
"It's under Hussain Asif." I replied softly.
"Give me a minute, Sir." She said and I looked up to see she was checking something on the flat screen computer in front of her.
Aman put his mobile inside his jeans pocket and I roamed my eyes around the lobby to occupy the time, the designs and interriors of the hotel looked good.
"Yes, Sir! There's a room reserved under your name." The receptionist spoke all of sudden made us shift our attentions on her.
"Here's your pass. 8th Floor...room number 219." She took out a card from the drawer of her desk and handed it to me.
"Thank you!" I replied while taking the pass and strolled my luggage to the escalator with Aman levelling me beside.
The escalator reached the ground floor and we got in before it took us to our stop.
We wandered at the corridor in search for our room which I didn't know where it was located. It has so many rooms opposite each other in one single corridor.
"Sir! There.." Aman pointed as he approached a door and I blinked at him for a moment before I followed him behind silently.
I scanned the card at the scanner and the door was unlocked and Aman let me enter first. I did and the room was so dark so I took the card again and placed it at the chip attached on the wall and within a second the room was brightened up.
I turned around and just when I took a step, I heard screams of my name and suddenly few people jumped on me out of nowhere, hugging me real tight that I lost my balance and fell down. From the screaming, I knew it was them; my brothers and for a moment, I forgot how to react as my heart beats were quickening.
This can't be true...
"Atif? Waqas?" Slipped my tongue shallowly in a mere whisper, shocked when I got to sight them on top of me and all of us froze right that very moment.
Shehry got off me, followed by Atif and Waqas and then I stood on my feet as well. I looked everywhere but them and there was silence engulfing us, I don't know why I felt awkward to be around them for the first time in my life. None of us spoke anything and I was feeling restless inside, especially when I could feel their gazes on me.
Damn why is this so hard?
I slowly flickered up my eyes and landed my gaze on them, I inhaled internally as Atif and Waqas's sharp gazes were pricking me. They looked angry with me as their chest heaved up and I saw Atif clenched his jaw all of sudden.
"You.." I was just about to speak when suddenly my face was jerked to my side and the corner of my mouth stung, it was paining.
I yelped as I brought my hand to my lips and looked in front of me to find rage in Atif's eyes. He punched me.
"Don't you dare to even say a word!" Atif gritted his teeth saying as his eyes turned red and I found moistures there in them.
"Ati..." I couldn't even say his name fully when another punch landed on my face again made me stumble, it was from Waqas this time and it hurts more than Atif's. I got furrious getting the second punch and couldn't stop myself from parting my lips.
"Mou peh naa maaro yaar!!" I screeched at them uncontrollably in dissatisfaction and rolled a tongue over my lips when they stared at me with their serious look.
"It's...my asset in my career." I added further very slowly, showing my innocent face as I rubbed the area and Shehry chuckled out of nowhere.
"Whoops. Sorry." He quickly covered his mouth with his palms when Atif and Waqas glared him a look which clearly stated it wasn't funny and I sighed heavily, they were still angry.
"I'm...I'm sorry?" I split with a slightly scrunched nose looking at them and they narrowed their eyes at me before Waqas took a step forward.
He suddenly grabbed my collar tight in his hands, taking me by surprise and I blinked at his unexpected action.
"Almost three years Hussain..." That came out just like a whisper from his mouth and I gulped down looking at him. His eyes showed anger but at the same time they were smooth like always, I was speechless looking into them.
"How the hell can you just leave us like that??" He glared at me and I saw his eyes puffed, he looked upset.
I felt my Adam's Apple was moving but still I don't know why I couldn't reply him, my tongue was sealed and I myself was too dumb.
"You have no idea how much I missed you in these years...you didn't even look back at us for once..." He added still in his wavering voice and unexpectedly a tear slipped his eye made my heart took a pause from beating. My eyes were glistening too as I looked at him, waiting for the right moment for the tears to fall.
"Do you have any idea how our lives were without you?? Who gives you the right to leave us??" He yelled aloud, gripping my collar even more harsh with his tears kept falling down and I bit my lip.
He ran his eyes on my face closely, his face turned soft for a second as our eyes met and I let a small whimper escaped my lips. We both knew what we wanted right now.
"Aab khari khari mou kya dekh raha hai? Phir se maroon ya..." He was in the middle of his sentence when I hurriedly pulled him into a hug and he left my collar, hugged me tight back. I felt his hands behind my back and his tears on my shoulder, made me weep too finally.
"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry.." I spoke in between my sobs and from the way he hugged me, I knew how much he missed me, probably way more than I missed him.
I looked up and saw Atif showing his fist in front of my face as if he will punch me but then a moment later he dropped his hand and quickly jumped on us. He broke into tears as well and I hurriedly involved him into the hug.
They tightened their grip around me and I felt their heart beats raced on my chest as if they were afraid to lose me again, as if they let me go, I will go far from them again.
"I'm sorry. I missed you guys like hell too, t...trust me...I never forget you guys." I held them tight in my arms as I closed my arms, I will never let go of this moment at any cost. I have been longing for it like anything, I can do anything to get this hug from them again.
"Don't you dare to leave us again...if you do, toh mujhse bura koi nahi hoga." Atif narrowed his eyes saying as if he was warning me and a slight chuckle escaped my mouth hearing him.
"Aww mela babies.." Shehry made a baby voice as he clung onto us and after so many years, we finally had our group hug again.
"Now it feels complete.." Waqas said and I couldn't help but a tear fell on his words.
After some moments, we pulled out and right then I noticed their attires, looking handsome as always especially in Sherwaani's.
"Atif...tune shaadi kar di?" I asked, popping my eyes out in shock and excited at the same time and he winked at me as an answer.
"You didn't wait for me!!" I screeched and smacked his head and he laughed.
"I don't even know if you'll come or not...I can't risk my life na." He replied playfully and I rolled my eyes at him when Waqas spoke.
"If he waited for you...he will never get married." Waqas said and they broke into guffaws again made me smack their heads.
"It's good to see you guys like this." Aman commented out of nowhere and I almost forgot he was with us too.
"Thanks man!" Shehry gave a gentle punch on Aman's shoulder and he nodded his head at him, I knew it must be him who spying me for them.
I thought of surprising them tomorrow in the reception but instead, they surprised me today.
Hawa's POV
The brush that was dancing around my fingers took a halt from painting the canvas as I heard noises near the door. I furrowed as I dropped the brush down and turned my head in the doors direction, it was a sound of laughter. This was really unusual.
I put my palette on the stand beside me and pushed the stool behind before I stood up. I turned around and walked to doors, I opened the doors and stepped out of my gallery.
I entered the mini living room near my gallery and saw Asad and Haya were there, laughing to I don't know what and my eyebrows were raised looking at them, surprised.
I shrugged then thinking then they were comfortable together and I decided to walk away from there when my name was being called.
"Hawa!" I looked ahead to see Asad standing up and nodded his head at me, signalling me to step further. I took in a deep breath and hesitantly moved my feet.
"Assalamualaikum!" I greeted him as soon as I stopped in front of him.
"Waalaikumsalam." He replied softly with that usual happy smile on his lips and I tried to mirror it back. Haya stood up from the sofa and came to my side.
"Aap kab aaye?" I asked for a formality as I looked at his face.
"Just ten minutes ago." He replied and I nodded at him.
"Oh! Kuch piyenge?" I questioned again and he hurriedly shook his head.
"No thanks! I've already had my drink." He said as he showed the cup on the coffee table and I knew, Haya must have served him already.
"I came to take you both out." He told out of nowhere as he landed his eyes on Haya for a moment who gasped in shock, so was I.
"What?" He made his innocent face asking as he looked at both of us and I exchanged glances with Haya.
"I'm sorry...I'm not coming. Aap log jaiye." I tried to refuse as polite as I can and Asad breathed out a sharp breath, he seemed annoyed.
"Stop that, Hawa!" He scowled at me and I blinked at him confusedly.
Stop what?
"Stop giving excuses! In fact, I won't accept any...you have to come." He said seriously as if he could read my mind and without waiting for my reply, he started walking. I was left dumbfounded looking at his back, couldn't help the confusions in me to grow wider. Where was he going?
"Asad!" I called him but he didn't stop walking.
"I'm waiting for you two in my car. Be out in five!" He yelled replying and my eyes went wide hearing it before he disappeared from my sight.
I groaned helplessly and heard a chuckle beside me, made me turn my head.
"Chalo na. You need to..." Haya was in the middle of her sentence when I quickly cut her off.
"Okay! Okay! Don't lecture me now! I'm coming!" I rolled my eyes at her irritatingly and she laughed even more on my reactions.
"Good girl!" She kissed my cheek before she grabbed my wrist and dragged me out of the house.
I followed her blindly and saw Asad was leaning on his car, waiting for us and as soon as he saw me, a huge smile was planted there on his lips.
"Thank you!" He voiced out when I neared him and I just passed him a small smile while nodding my head slightly.
"Oh! This is for you...and this one's for you." He suddenly passed both me and Haya a bouquet of roses each. We both blinked at him when he forcefully made us accept them.
"Yeh sab.." Haya trailed and he looked at her with his soft eyes, smiling. I swear there was something in his eyes when he looked at her, I couldn't figure it out.
"Well, I'm about to go on a date with the two most beautiful girls in the world...so, obviously I need to impress my dates." He winked playfully and Haya giggled, shaking her head.
"Not bad." Haya commented and Asad bowed a little.
"Pleasure is always mine. Aab chalein?" He raised his eyes asking and I sighed, nodding my head anyway and so did Haya.
He opened the door for Haya at the front and for me at the back before he got in. He started the engine, revving it before he drove off.
Yellow roses for me and Red roses for Haya. Hmm...okay?
Haya's POV
She cracked up again hearing Asad's lame joke. I didn't aware that my lips were dancing into smiles as well every time I hear her laughter, she looked too beautiful to be true when she laughs. The corner of her eyes would crinckle and her dimples would be seen, I haven't seen the dimples for quite a long time already.
It has been a while since I saw her laughing heartily, in fact it has been so long that I couldn't remember when was the last time. I felt so good seeing her like this.
I took my cup and brought it close to my lips, blowing the hot coffee as I travelled my eyes on him in front of me. He was trying his level best to make Hawa smile, to make her happy and in fact, everyone. He was too genuine, rare.
Thank you, Asad. For everything.
Suddenly our eyes met and I froze for a moment when he raised his eyebrows at me. I hurriedly shook my head as I took a sip from the coffee, acting oblivious and he smiled looking at me while shaking his head.
He laid his gaze on Hawa's face and I roamed my eyes on his. His Brown eyes, his slightly thick eyebrows, his sharp nose and his always smiling lips; everything in him was too captivative and honestly speaking, my respect for him grew even more. Maybe my feelings too.
"What is a spaceman's favorite chocolate?" He asked Hawa and she blinked for a while, thinking for the answer as I put my cup down.
"Uhm...I don't know?" Hawa scrunched her nose replying and Asad grinned widely.
"A marsbar!" He said and cackled up himself and Hawa joined him too. I giggled as I shook my head, enjoying their cute moments.
"Okay another one." Asad said as he furrowed slightly, thinking for a new joke to crack and Hawa nodded her head, giving him permission to continue as she wiped her tears due to heavy laughter.
"Uhm..yeah! How does the ocean say hello?" He wiggled his eyebrows with a mischevious smile on his face and I couldn't help but furrowed together with Hawa, in search for the answer though I wasn't taking part in this. The question looked interesting.
"Ugh! I don't know!" Hawa replied frustatingly after some moments as she couldn't get the answer and he raised his eyebrows at me, asking. I startled slightly, I thought I wasn't a part of this game but anyway, I shook my head as well and he grinned idiotically at us.
"It waves!" He blurted out and they cracked up again.
Why am I so dumb?
"Hey! What happened?" Asad asked looking at me and I bounced a little, passing him a smile.
"Just feeling good seeing you two laughing." I replied sincerely and their smiles widened even more.
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Assalamualaikum!!
How was the chapter?
Feeling good they have reunited and Hawa started laughing again? :P
Till we meet again. Take care. I love you all!