Chapter 1
At 5 in the evening, in the beautiful garden in front of his house, Arzel Khan and his wife Shanaya were engaged in a conversation full of love. In that moment, Arzel's phone rang. When Arzel looked at the screen, a unique happiness spread across his face."You sit here, I'll be back in two minutes," Arzel said to his wife.After this, Arzel got up and started talking on the phone for quite a while. After finishing the call, Arzel came back to Shanaya.
"Who were you smiling and talking to for so long? Don’t tell me someone has caught your fancy, and you’re thinking of getting married again, Mr. Arzel," Shanaya teased him. Hearing this, Arzel laughed heartily and said, "You are my life, how could I think of anyone else? I should be thanking God a million times for sending you into my life."
Saying this, Arzel kissed Shanaya on her forehead.
"Oh, stop it, Mr. Khan. I know very well how much you love me," Shanaya smiled and replied. "But you haven’t told me who was on the phone."
"Oh yes! Do you remember we have to go to Pakistan (Islamabad) for a wedding? My childhood friend Syed Imran's eldest daughter Dua is getting married."
"Oh, Sitara Bhabi called me just yesterday. I forgot to tell you," Shanaya responded.
"Well, I’m all ready, but you’ll have to convince your beloved son. I don’t think Zain will agree," Shanaya said to Arzel.
"I’ll handle Zain, don’t worry," Arzel reassured her.
"By the way, where is Zain? He didn’t have to go to university today, did he? Arzel asked
"Your son hasn’t even stepped out of his room since this morning," Shanaya said to Arzel.
They were still talking when Zain came out of his room and started walking down the stairs. He stood tall at six feet four, with a strong, muscular build. His handsome face featured a defined jaw and striking blue eyes. Dressed in a well-fitted navy suit that highlighted his broad shoulders, he looked both classy and confident. His polished shoes gleamed, and a crisp white shirt added to his sharp appearance.
"Zain, where are you going in such a hurry? Wait, we need to talk to you about something important," Shanaya called out to him.
Zain approached his mom, kissed her on the forehead, and said, "Mom, not right now. I need to get to the university quickly. Something important just came up. We’ll talk later." Saying this, Zain left the house and walked toward his black Mercedes.
As the driver was about to open the door for Zain, he stopped him, saying, "I'll drive myself today." Hearing this, the driver stepped back. After that, Zain drove off at full speed, but instead of going to the university, he went to a party where all his friends were waiting for him.
As soon as Zain entered the party, everyone kept staring at him because he was so handsome that not just girls, but even guys would get drawn to him. Although Zain was a capable professor by profession, he had a completely different vibe when he was with his friends. All the girls at the university had a crush on Zain, but he didn’t pay attention to any of them except for one girl who had been his friend since college—her name was Noah. Noah was also at the party.
After some dancing and fun, Zain sat down to gossip with his friends. Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, it was already 2 a.m. When he finally checked his phone, he saw that his father had called him 15 times. Zain wanted to call his dad back, but it was already too late, and he figured they must have gone to sleep by then. Bidding farewell to his friends, Zain left the party.
As soon as he reached home, Zain took a shower and went to bed.
The next morning, while Zain was having breakfast at the dining table, Shanaya asked him, "Zain, where did you go yesterday? You came home so late. Do you even realize how many times your dad called you? And you didn’t answer even once." From his mom's expression, Zain could tell she knew where he had been. But staying calm, Zain replied, "Mom, I told you I had work at the university."
Hearing this, Shanaya shot him a sharp look and Zain, sensing her frustration, zain said, "So, the driver told you after all."
Shanaya then said to him, "Zain, how many times have I told you not to go to such parties? Engaging in this kind of behavior doesn't suit your profession. You have a class, and you shouldn't ruin it by hanging out with your friends. Zain's mom said with annoyance.
"Okay, Mom, I won't go from now on," Zain replied, placing his hand on hers.
"You've said this a thousand times, but have you ever acted on it?"
"Alright, Mom, I'm sorry. I promise I won't go anymore."
"Okay, my dear son, I need to talk to you about something. You need to take a two-month break from university."
"Two months? Why, Mom?" Zain asked in surprise.
"Because we have to go to Pakistan for your dad's friend's daughter's wedding. She used to be your friend when you were younger. Do you remember?"
"Mom, it's been 16 years since we've been in America. How would I remember anything from there? Besides, about the wedding, I can't go. You know how busy I am at university; I hardly have any free time," Zain said in frustration.
"Zain, try to understand. This isn't just any ordinary person's wedding. It's the wedding of Dua, the daughter of one of Pakistan's biggest businessmen, Syed Imran, who is a close friend of your dad. Think about it—can we refuse them? So please, stop being stubborn and start packing. We need to leave early tomorrow morning."
After this, Zain had nothing more to say. He simply went to his room, agreeing with "Okay, fine."
Zain called Noah and urgently asked him to meet at the restaurant. Noah had been waiting for Zain for almost half an hour. Just as she was about to call him again, Zain arrived at the restaurant. As soon as she saw him, Noah gave him a tight hug, and they both sat down.
"Zain, is everything okay? You called me out of the blue," Noah said, looking at him.
"Yeah, actually, I need to talk to you about something important," Zain replied.
"Go ahead, I'm listening. You seem off," Noah urged.
"I have to go to Pakistan tomorrow morning for two months," Zain said.
"Two months? Why so suddenly?" Noah asked, looking at Zain in surprise.
"I'm not feeling great about it either, but I have to go. It's for my dad's close friend's daughter's wedding."
"Oh Zain, is it really necessary for you to go?" Noah asked, placing her hand on his.
"Hmm," Zain replied.
"Okay, well, all the best. I've heard Pakistani weddings are a lot of fun," Noah said, smiling at Zain.
"Yeah, I've heard that too, but I've never experienced it," Zain admitted.
"Now you'll get to see it, but just remember not to fall in love there. I've heard the girls there are very beautiful," Noah teased Zain.
"Well, if heart wants something ,you can't stop it," Zain teased back.
After listening to Noah, Zain started to realize that Noah had feelings for him, but to Zain, Noah was just a good friend and nothing more.
After their conversation, they got up to leave, and Zain said, "Let me drop you home."
"No, Zain, it's already so late, and you still need to pack. You should go home" noah replied.
“No problem, I will drop you home. By the way, we won’t meet for two months,” Zain said. “Alright, let’s go then,” Noah replied. “Let’s go, madam,” Zain said again. After dropping Noah off, Zain returned home to start packing since their flight was at 6 AM the next morning.
The next day, Zain and his parents left home at 4 AM and arrived at the airport around 6 AM since it wasn’t far from their house. After completing the boarding and checking process at the airport, they settled into business class. During the long journey, Zain was lost in thoughts about when he would return to America. He had no idea that this trip would change his life in ways he had never imagined.
After nearly 20 hours of travel, they arrived at the airport in Pakistan, where Syed Imran was waiting for them. As soon as Syed Imran saw them, he became extremely happy because he was meeting his friend after 16 long years. They hugged each other warmly.
Imran asked, “Is this our son Zain?”
“Yes, this is indeed my only heir,” Arzel said, placing a hand on Zain's shoulder as he looked at Syed Imran.
“Mashallah, he has grown so much,” Imran said, patting Zain on the back.
After that, Syed Imran told them that they would discuss everything at home since they must be very tired. Saying this, they all got into the car and headed towards Imran's mansion. Upon reaching, they were warmly welcomed, and both families met and chatted extensively.
Speaking of Syed Imran’s family, it consisted of himself, his wife Sitara, and their three children: their elder daughter Dua, who was about to get married, their younger daughter Amal, and a little brother named Kamran, who was only seven years old. In Arzel Khan’s family, there was also his wife and their only son.
At the dinner table, everyone sat together and started talking about Dua's wedding. “Dua, dear, this is a small gift from my side; I’m sure you will love it,” Shanaya said, hugging Dua. “Aunty, what was the need for this? Your presence here at my wedding is the biggest gift for me,” Dua replied.
After that, when Dua opened the gift, she found a beautiful diamond necklace inside. Seeing it, Dua said to Shanaya, “Aunty, this is so expensive; what was the need for this?” “It may be expensive, but it’s not more than you,” Shanaya said, placing a hand on Dua’s head.
This reminded Shanaya, and she asked, “By the way, where is Amal? I haven’t seen her anywhere.”
She had brought a splendid gift for her as well, along with many gifts for everyone in the house.
“Oh, bhabi, I completely forgot to mention! She’s staying at her friend Asma’s house. You know how these girls are with their fussiness nowadays,” Shanaya replied.
"Yes, sister-in-law, this is how it goes for girls," Shanaye replied.
After that, Arzel asked Syed Imran what his son-in-law's name is and what he does. "He is the CEO of a pharmaceuticals company, and his name is Ayaan", Syed Imran proudly said.
"Well, Imran sahab, you have indeed chosen a great son-in-law," Arzel said, laughing as he looked at Syed Imran. With that, they started discussing business.
Imran asked Zain in surprise, "Zain beta, your dad is a successful businessman with a huge building, but how did you come up with the idea of becoming a professor?" He continued, "A young, brave, and handsome man like you is exactly what the business world needs. Besides, your father had a ready-made business; you should have helped him."
Arzel interjected, "Where are you going, Imran sahab? I’ve told him many times about this, but he’s stubborn and has moved ahead of me."
Then Zain smiled and said to Syed Imran, "Uncle, you are absolutely right, but since childhood, it has been my dream to work as a professor at a big university, and look, it has come true." He added, "You can't succeed in something that doesn't interest you." Hearing this, Syed Imran was very impressed with Zain and said, "No, Arzel sahab, your son is indeed very wise."
"Finally, whose son is it?" Arzel said proudly. After that, everyone had dinner and chatted a lot. Then Imran said, "Zain beta, you look very tired. Let me show you to your room."
Once they entered the room, Imran said, "Beta, if you need anything, just let me know. This is your home." "Sure, Uncle, I'll let you know," Zain replied.
Just as Zain was about to lie down on the bed, Noah called.
After answering, Noah said, "Zain, this is not fair. You just arrived in Pakistan and you've already forgotten to call? It's only been a day; how could you forget so quickly?" Noah quickly said everything at once.
"Listen, Noah, let me explain. It's not like that. I was actually about to call you, but you know how it is during family gatherings—there's hardly any time to spare.
Okay, fine Zain. Keep me updated about everything there, I want all your pictures, and yes, keep sending me videos too. I want to see the wedding there," Noah said to Zain.
"Yes, yes, I’ll send everything," Zain replied. "So, what are you doing right now?"
"Just getting ready to sleep," Zain answered Noah.
"You know, Zain, I really miss you a lot. Don’t you miss me?" Noah said, as if he knew what Zain was going to say.
Zain replied exactly as expected, "No, I’m not missing you at all; you’re just having a big misunderstanding, madam."
Just then, Zain's mom entered his room. "Zain, what are you doing? You know tomorrow is the haldi ceremony, and you need to wake up early. Here are your clothes; I got them specially made by a designer."
Zain told his mom, "Mom, Noah called; she’s worried about me." Noah was listening to all this on the phone and sighed quietly to herself, thinking, "Zain, when will the day come when you realize that I care about you?"
Hearing Noah's mumbling, Zain asked, "Did you say something?"
"No, nothing," Noah replied.
"Okay, Noah, I’m really sleepy. I’ll talk to you tomorrow," Zain said, starting to doze off.
"Okay, bye Zain, take care," Noah replied just before Zain ended the call.
"After hanging up the phone, Zain fell into a deep sleep, while Noah began to think, "When Zain comes back, I will definitely tell him about my feelings."
The next morning, at 6 AM, Zain's alarm went off. Annoyed by the sound, he turned it off and fell back asleep. But then Shanaya came in and said, "Zain, wake up! Today is the haldi ceremony. Don’t you need to get ready?"
Still half-asleep, Zain replied to his mom, "Mom, we’ll do the haldi ceremony tomorrow. Please let me sleep a bit longer."
"You don’t know what you’re saying. Come on, wake up!" Shanaya insisted.
Zain opened his eyes a little and saw Shanaya fully ready. Looking at his mom, he sat up in bed and said, "Mom, how beautiful you look today! No one could be more stunning than you."
Hearing this, Shanaya smiled and said, "Oh, you’re just flattering me."
"No, Mom, you really look gorgeous," Zain insisted.
"Well, if you keep giving me compliments like this, we’ll be late. We need to get to the venue. Hurry up and get ready!" she urged.
"Okay, Mom, I’ll come down in a little while. You go ahead," Zain replied.
After taking a shower, Zain stood in front of the mirror with his wet hair. After styling his hair, he wore a yellow traditional kurta and white shalwar, putting on a blue-striped Rolex watch on his wrist. Zain always looked stunning in any outfit, but today, in these traditional clothes, he looked nothing less than a prince.
Once he was fully ready, he stepped out of his room. As he was about to close the door, he accidentally bumped into a girl. She fell down, and Zain rushed to help her up. Just then, she glanced up at him, and Zain found himself staring at her because he had never seen anyone as beautiful as her in his entire life.
"Hello, Mr. Are you going to help me up or just stand there staring?" the girl said.
"Oh, I’m so sorry!" Zain stammered.
The girl replied, "No need to apologize; I was actually in a hurry, so I’m sorry." Zain wasn’t really listening to what she was saying; he just kept gazing at her.
Seeing his strange behavior, she thought to herself, "What a weird guy. Has he never seen a girl before?" With that, she walked away.
