Arhaan laid on his bed, wide awake. His body shouted with exhaustion, after a long day at work and almost five hours in gym, but his mind wasn't tired just yet.
I don't really know what love even is. And maybe I never will. All I know is that there are some smiles you'll never get tired of seeing and some hands you'll never want to let go of and some absence that hurt too much to ignore.
Arhaan really didn't know why he was so much affected by Anabiya's cold behaviour. Not that she was actually being mean or anything, Arhaan couldn't just digest the fact that she was just treating him the way an employee should treat their boss.
No doubt that Arhaan was missing the goofy smile that Anabiya always carried. Today, when Nabeeha called him asking him to bring Anabiya along with him at the Saeed Palace, Arhaan couldn't get more happier and nervous.
But when she said that Anabiya had some work and she won't be able to make it, Arhaan was disheartened.
Arhaan wanted to apologise for any fault he committed that made Anabiya drift apart from him. But there was this one question.
What is the fault?
..............................
"Assalamu-", Anabiya's voice died down as she saw the person in front of her, sitting in her living room.
"Complete the salam, Anabiya!", Sanaya smiled and Anabiya grinned.
"-Alaikum! Sanaya! I missed you!", Anabiya yelled as she almost ran towards her bestfriend, enveloping her in a bone crushing hug.
Bestfriends.... for how long can you stay away from them?
Sanaya and Anabiya had almost seen each other after twenty days. They both didn't know how to face each other after what happened at the beach.
The words said that day were sharp but felt more poisonous as they were said by two bestfriends to each other.
"I'm sorry, Anabiya.", Sanaya apologised and Anabiya grimaced.
"Yeah you should be. For staying away from me!", Anabiya said with a chuckle.
Anabiya was happy. She felt really content after getting her bestfriend back.
Though she didn't know what future beholds for her.
After lots of laughter and a bit of tears, Ruhina, Sanaya and Anabiya were munching on some chips when Sanaya cleared her throat.
"Okay ladies, listen up.", she said and Anabiya and Ruhina looked at her.
"Ruhina you already know this but Anabee, you don't. And this is pretty exciting!", Sanaya squealed.
Anabiya furrowed her eyebrows in confusion while Ruhina's face went pale.
"What? You're getting married?", Anabiya joked as she took a sip from her drink and that's when Sanaya confirmed.
"Yesss!"
Anabiya choked on her drink but immediately gathered herself as she hugged her bestfriend while Ruhina just gulped.
Ruhina knew the things that were about to get revealed were not going to bring happiness but a storm.
"I'm so happy for you! Alhumdulillah! So, who's the guy?", Anabiya excitedly asked.
How can she be calm? It's her bestfriend who is getting married.
Ruhina immediately interjected,"It's not fixed yet. It's just an alliance."
At this Sanaya narrowed her eyes and then started to explain.
"It's not just an alliance, okay? I mean the guy's family and my family met at this function and well the mother and the grandmother were impressed with me and well they asked my hand for the marriage. And it's like we are already a family. They call daily, we visit each other in every two days. And they all are so good. It feels.... magical.", Sanaya said dreamily and Anabiya couldn't help but just smile like a five year old, truly happy for her bestfriend.
"MashaAllah! So who's the guy? Do we know him? ", Anabiya asked, obviously curious to know every detail.
Ruhina couldn't help but just rub her palms together in nervousness, her anxiety kicking in.
She knew she could be wrong, but there existed a feeling that told her she was right.
"Uhm well.... YES. You know him. Infact very well. And his sister who's going to be my sister-in-law soon is your friend too and your friendship started in a weird yet cool way....", Sanaya was talking and Anabiya's heart quickened it's pace.
"And the family I'm talking about is the Saeed Family and yes, the guy I'm talking about is Arhaan Saeed."
These words were enough for breaking Anabiya's heart and crashing her soul.
And if this wasn't enough, the words going to come ahead were about to leave her numb.
"I'm going to marry Arhaan Saeed. Anabiya, I'm going to marry Arhaan!", Sanaya squealed as she jumped a bit in happiness and glee as she hugged Anabiya while Anabiya just couldn't process what just happened.
This was it. Who thought Anabiya's and Arhaan's name will be together in a sentence with the word 'marry' but all in a different sense.
Anabiya's mouth went dry as a lump was formed in her throat as she was hugging her bestfriend, but looked like a lifeless body.
And this was the game of Fate. She realised two things, two emotions, all at the same time.
The exquisite feeling that she was in Love and the dreading feeling of a Heartbreak.
Again.
And this time, it hurted even more.
Anabiya blinked and just heard her bestfriend who was still hugging her, ramble about how happy she felt.
And that's when Anabiya realised that her bestfriend meant everything to her. She would do anything for her, even if it meant to let go of her own feelings.
Anabiya took a deep breath as she forced a smile and hugged Sanaya back while her eyes met with Ruhina.
And Ruhina realised what was happening wasn't good and she was right.
Anabiya was in Love with Arhaan.
A tear slipped down through Ruhina's cheek, a way to express the grief she was feeling. She was silently asking Anabiya to confess out her feelings but Anabiya just shook her head in negative as a few tears made their way down her cheeks too.
And sometimes you have to know that some people are just not for you to keep; and you can't do anything about it except letting go.
"I-i... I'm happy for you, Sanaya. Congratulations!", Anabiya congratulated but her voice betrayed her. It cracked.
Sanaya broke the hug and Anabiya quickly wiped the stray tears and smiled. Sanaya still noticed them.
"I'm sorry. I'm just emotional and getting all sappy because my bestfriend is getting married.", Anabiya said the half truth.
"Aww! You know when we went to Nabeeha's engagement party, that time I saw Arhaan for the first time, and Wallah! I was crushing on him since then.", Sanaya drooled like a teenage girl and Anabiya's heart again ached as the moment and events of that day repeated in her head.
In a minute or two, Anabiya's mother, Fatimah entered with her husband Aseef.
Some eye talking went on between Fatimah, Aseef, Sanaya and Ruhina, but Anabiya couldn't care less.
"Okay, Anabiya. We want to talk to you.", Fatimah finally said and Anabiya blankly stared at her mother and then nodded.
Anabiya's mind was already a chaos right now and she didn't feel anymore hurt or pain. She felt.... numb.
"So, we got an alliance for you.", Fatimah announced and Anabiya bit the inside of her cheeks.
"Why is everyone talking about rishtas and marriage today?", she muttered to herself and thankfully no one heard.
"Won't you ask who is it?", this time Aseef spoke up and Anabiya slowly nodded.
"Who is it?", she simply asked.
"Well, you know him really well and you will love his family too. You'll love his sister the most though.", Fatima chuckled and Anabiya understood who the guy was.
She immediately looked towards Sanaya, who was smiling sheepishly.
She scooted closer to Anabiya and whispered.
"Look, I know we just patched up after that day. I mean I know i shouldn't have forced you for marrying my brother, but I just got carried away. I'm sorry. And as far as this alliance is considered, I swear I wasn't involved in this. I mean I didn't tell my parents to approach your parents. It just happened between the parents and-", Sanaya's explanatory ramble was interrupted by Fatima.
"Girls, attention here.''
"Do you like him, Mumma? Dad?", Anabiya questioned and everyone stared at her confused.
"We love him, beta", Aseef answered with a smile.
"Anabiya, listen. You have the full right to know about this whole situation. When you were in Dubai, Rabiya and Zafar Bhai asked you for Omar. And we know the family since a very long time. Even before you were born. We know Omar too. I know we said that you're too young for marriage and responsibilities, but give it a thought. We like Omar. But it's up to you, Anabiya. As parents, it was our duty to inform you about this and let you know about our decision and consent. It now all depends on your decision.", Fatima explained and now all eyes were fixed at Anabiya.
Sanaya somehow felt that Anabiya will again say the same excuse of 'I'm not ready' while Ruhina just prayed for Anabiya.
"Mumma. Dad.... It's a yes.", Anabiya said and everyone just looked at her, without moving.
She furrowed her eyebrows and again spoke up.
"I want to marry Omar.'', she confirmed and that's when she was enveloped in a hug by her mother and Sanaya, while her father smiled.
Ruhina's mouth dropped to the floor.
And the very next moment Anabiya was sandwiched between Sanaya and her parents as they hugged her while showering blessings and soon, Anabiya's brother Suhail joined them too.
"I'll just go and inform Rabiya!", Fatima happily said as her eyes moistened and soon Fatima and Aseef left with joyous steps. Sanaya too couldn't control herself and rushed out to give the wonderful news to her brother.
It was just Ruhina and Anabiya left.
"Why did you do this?", Ruhina shooted the question and Anabiya gave a hurting smile.
"What did you expect me to do? Tell Sanaya that I have feelings for her fiancè? Listen, Arhaan is too good and so is Sanaya. She's smarter, prettier and matches the society's standards of beautiful. Her financial class too matches with that of Arhaan's. And obviously she's an amazing person too. There's no reason anybody wouldn't like her. And secondly, Omar likes me. I have already suffered by loving a person who doesn't love me back. That is Zayd. And now I wanna give my heart to someone who loves me. And my parents, didn't you see them? They are so happy. After what.... After what I've done in the past, I guess this is the only way to compensate. Also, Sanaya loves Arhaan.", Anabiya completed with a sigh.
"And you don't?", Ruhina questioned.
"I.... I don't know. But that doesn't matter now. He's Sanaya's. I'm Omar's now.", Anabiya concluded, with her heart as heavy as a stone. And as she was about to leave, her phone started to ring.
"Nabeeha".
...........
Nabeeha was dumbstruck. She was shocked.
She couldn't believe that her observation turned out to be false.
How can it be false? Her intuitions and observations were always accurate and she was even praised for it alot.
But how can Nabeeha deny the fact that Anabiya herself told her those words.
"Yes Nabeeha, you heard it right. I'm getting married to Omar. Engagement is going to take place soon, Insha'Allah. And you have to be there!"
Nabeeha wanted to talk to Anabiya today itself. She had doubts regarding the fact whether Anabiya and Omar are already engaged or are about to get engaged. Nabeeha really wanted to talk to Anabiya regarding this and thus she called her for a meetup. But that couldn't happen.
But her question was answered.
Anabiya is actually committed.
The reason for Nabeeha's doubt was she felt that there was something between Anabiya and Arhaan. A certain type of spark.
Nabeeha at first was very happy when she met Sanaya and learned that her grandmother wants Sanaya for Arhaan. But then she felt weird when Rabiya told that Omar is with Anabiya because as far as she knew Anabiya, Anabiya never mentioned about being committed. And after Arhaan returned from Dubai, things started to get different. She noticed how a smile used to appear on his face whenever Anabiya was mentioned but he was always quick enough to cover it with a cough.
Shrugging her thoughts aside Nabeeha questioned herself.
"Maybe I was really wrong?"
.......................
The room was full with the family members, all waiting for the youngest one to arrive.
"Where is Arhaan?", Abdul Saeed asked, a bit irritated.
"In his room.", Humaid simply replied and Nabeeha chuckled as she saw her father narrowing his eyes at him.
And then came the 'prince' in his t-shirt and joggers, ruffling his hair which were still wet due to the shower.
"Sorry." He quickly apologised and settled on the couch, hitting Nabeeha lightly on the head.
Nabeeha scoffed as she punched him lightly.
"Okay okay! Stop!" Hafsa ordered before the sibling fight could get any further.
Hafsa and Abdul decided it was now time to inform Arhaan about Sanaya as Rabiya too was very much keen on getting them engaged soon.
So as decided, all the family members were gathered in the living room.
"Arhaan, what are your plans about the future?", Abdul questioned his son who looked clueless.
Arhaan explained about his future business plans and Humaid as well as Abdul looked quite impressed whereas the ladies, that is, Hafsa, Nabeeha and Dadi Amma looked impatient.
"Okay stop!", Hafsa interjected and everyone's attention was now focused on her.
"What are your future family plans? Marriage? Kids?", she shooted the question directly and Humaid smirked while Arhaan was clearly flustered.
"Not yet planned about it.", Arhaan tried to bury the matter but he knew his family didn't call a family meeting just to take a 'No' from him.
"We know. But we got a girl for you.", Dadi Amma spoke this time and Arhaan shook his head.
"Not interested.", Arhaan again denied.
"Do you have someone else in your mind?", Abdul asked this time and Arhaan sighed.
There was no way Arhaan was going to say yes for any girl because he already had someone on his mind.
Anabiya.
He was sure for his liking towards her but he didn't know whether she felt the same way about him or not. Whether she reciprocated those feelings or not.
And therefore, he didn't say her name when his parents asked him.
"I'm not ready for marriage, yet.", he repeated and Nabeeha didn't fail to notice how Arhaan didn't deny that he had someone on his mind.
"Look, this girl is really nice. Really beautiful MashaAllah. You have even seen her.", Hafsa said and Arhaan let out a frustrated sigh.
"Mom, No.", Arhaan sternly said as he shifted in his seat.
"Atleast know who the girl is....", Hafsa tried again and seeing the look on his parents' face, Arhaan gave in.
"Okay. Fine. Who is she? But let me make it clear, I ain't marrying her."
Hafsa beamed as she spoke,"The girl is Anabiya's friend Sanaya Zafar. You must've seen her in the engagement party."
And at this Arhaan's head started to spin. He surely wasn't expecting this.
"Wh-what?", he asked and looked at Nabeeha who looked nervous now.
"Yes, my son.", Abdul confirmed and Arhaan shook his head.
"I wonder why Anabiya never told you about this. I mean Mom and Dadi Amma asked for Sanaya's hand when you were in Dubai. Sanaya's family agreed right away. Considering the fact that Sanaya is Anabiya's bestfriend, she must've known.", Humaid pointed out and now Arhaan was pondering on it.
But before he could think much Nabeeha spoke up.
"I guess she didn't know. She didn't even inform me about her getting engaged to Omar."
And at this Arhaan felt something.
When you learn something terrible, you just can't react. Your mind goes blank. Pausing your reactions. But when your brain and heard finally processes, all your thoughts just want to come out as a scream. As tears.
Something broke inside him and anger took over.
His jaw clenched as he balled his fists and his knuckles got white.
"But Sanaya's mother already told us about Omar and Anabiya. Remember?", Dadi Amma spoke and Arhaan couldn't take it anymore.
And then anger took over his state of mind as he spoke those words.
Anger. Heartbreak. Feeling of losing something.... someone.
"I'm ready to marry Sanaya Zafar. Please start with the engagement preparations soon."
And this is how Fate played it's game.
Two hearts broke. Causing destruction.
But more things and more heartbreaks were about to happen.
This is all Meant to Be....
.................
Okayyyyyyy soooooooo this is it.
I'm crying. Who's cutting onions?
And and and Dave Franco as Omar.
Dedicated to @FC_994 ❤
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