4

Her friend went ahead and asked her cousin for help. Aamiya felt nervous when she saw him walking towards her, she was in the sight of Asfand.

“Hey, I’m Ahmad.” The man chuckled softly, but Aamiya wasn't feeling any better. The man laughed a little and said, “Smile, at least. You won’t be convincing anyone like this.” Aamiya jolted and started talking to him. Sometime later, she saw Asfand looking at the both of them. Talking to Ahmad, she realized that he wasn’t a bad man at all, but she couldn't think of him as anything more than her friend.

Asfand saw Aamiya talking to Ahmad, he knew the guy but still didn’t like it. Nonetheless, he kept himself from saying anything. The party went on. He gifted her a new mobile phone, since he knew that she wanted to change hers for a while now, but didn't have enough time to.

Around 11.4pm, Asfand went to Aamiya’s room. She was already fast asleep, as Asfand sat beside her and pulled her hair away from her face. He gently kissed her forehead and mumbled

“Happy birthday, Doll.”

She shuffled a bit and then went right back to sleep. Asfand smiled, knowing she won't wake up because of how tired she was. Lost in thoughts, his smile faltered. He didn't want her thinking about someone else. He had loved her for as long as he could remember, maybe even when he was unaware of what love was. He couldn't imagine ever hurting her, his biggest weakness was her tears. He had never thought of another girl and didn't want her to think of someone else either.

“My life.” He mumbled softly and got up to leave.

The next day, he told Aamiya about his plan during breakfast. 

“I have already finished up my work. And as another birthday gift to you, I have planned a trip to Murree for us. You've been wanting to go, right? Asfand asked finally.

Aamiya’s excitement peaked. She loved traveling; she was also well aware that Asfand would take her to other areas as well.

“Yes!!” She squealed.

Asfand had already spoken to Dad regarding the trip, he trusted Asfand blindly with her security. It wasn't new for them to go away on trips.

“I will ask Noor Ali to clean the cottage.” Mama said, talking about the holiday cottage they owned in Murree.

“Finish packing, we’ll leave by evening.” Asfand said, getting up.

As per planning, they left in the evening. They had their dinner in a restaurant where Aamiya decided to bring up Ahmad.

“Have you met Ahmad from the party?” Aamiya asked.

Asfand glanced at her, then quickly averted his eyes.

“Your friend's cousin?” 

“Yes. He was really nice, even asked for my number.” Aamiya fibbed a little at the end.

Asfand halted the car right in the middle of the road, but quickly started moving again. He didn't say anything for the rest of their journey. When they finally reached the cottage, Asfand got out of the car and spoke to Noor Ali. He asked Noor Ali to leave for his home after making sure that everything was prepared.

Aamiya had gone inside, and was sitting in the lounging area when Asfand entered and took a seat beside her. His face was wiped off of any emotions. 

"Did you give your number to Ahmed?" Asfand inquired, not quite looking at her. 

"No, not yet." Aamiya replied, turning towards him. "But I like him a lot." She continued. 

When Asfand turned toward her, the hurt was evident in his dark eyes. 

"You can't." Asfand mumbled as he stood up. 

Aamiya also got up, behind him and stopped him from moving by holding his hand. 

"Why?" She asked. “Why can't I? What is it that I'm not aware of?" She shouted. 

Asfand turned and grabbed her by her shoulders.

"Because you are my wife."

Aamiya was shocked. Asfand’s eyes were full of rage.

“No. That's not possible, you're lying. Yes, I admit I lied about licking Ahmad to find out what is being hidden from me, but I refuse to believe this.” She spoke,  taking a step back.

Relief washed over his face, he didn't want anyone else on her mind and heart. But with relief came confusion.

“I didn't want her to find out about the marriage like this. How am I going to handle this now?” He thought.