Written Among The Stars.

Chapter 12 - Date night

The next day, Haneen was supposed to leave for her parents' house for two days along with Aaban and that was the only good thing in her life right now.
She looked forward to the visit and was very much excited about it.

"Ghar jana hai." [I want to go home.] Haneen spoke softly as he was busy working on his laptop. He didn't realize she was talking to him.

"Sunen?" [Listen] She again spoke.

He raised his brow at her. "Then, go."

"You aren't coming?"

He shook his head and focused his attention on the screen. Any man in his place would have found it hard to focus on work when his newly wed bride was standing in front of him, all dolled up. She sat down rubbing her temples worriedly. She didn't know what she was supposed to do now. She couldn't force him to go with her but if he didn't go, everyone would ask about him and she would have to lie. She went down with a sad and worried expression on her face.

"What happened, bacha?" [child]

"Nothing. I was just going home."

"Alone? Where is Aaban?"

"He has some work."

"This boy.. Wait here. I will go and give him an earful. Don't go alone. A bride looks good with her husband only." She claimed and went upstairs.

In 10 minutes, Aaban was down and ready to go but his expressions were saying something else. They settled in the car and drove off.

"What's your problem?" He barked as soon as they hit the road.

"What?" She asked, confused.

"Why did you have to drag me along? Couldn't you see I was busy with work? I don't have time for these stupid traditions. Whats the big deal in going with the driver?"

"I had no issue. I was going already. Your mom asked me to wait."

"Because you pretended to be all innocent. You could have told her I was busy. These are just your tricks to get things done your way."

Hearing this, she was so hurt. She never for once thought about such stuff and yet he was blaming her for all the wrong reasons.

"Aaban, I -- " She was speechless as tears made their way out.

"Now don't start with your drama." He spoke annoyed. She turned her face away and wiped her face with the tissue. She didn't know why was he suddenly so harsh on her.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you." She managed to speak.

He didn't even bother acknowledging her.

They reached Haneen's home and as he stepped out, his expressions suddenly changed from cold to warm and Haneen wondered what was so wrong with her that he behaved with her that way. He was so nice to his mother and her family members but so cold towards Haneen. He was such a pro at faking his emotions that it made Haneen feel uneasy and uncomfortable. However, she was happy to be reunited with her family. She greeted them happily. It was her first visit back home after wedding and so according to the traditions, Aaban's shoes were supposed to be stolen by her cousins. She wasn't really sure how he was going to react because he clearly told her that he didn't like such nonsense. She tried to convince her cousins not to do that but Hana didn't budge. She wasn't scared of anyone and specially not her brother in law. While they were having dinner, she quickly hid his shoes without anyone noticing.

After dinner, as Aaban looked for his shoes, Hana flashed them in front of him as everybody laughed. Aaban shook his head and then asked for her demand. Haneen looked at him, surprised. How much different he was with everyone else.

"Hanie, your husband is so good. He didn't even argue once and gave us as much as we wanted." Hana teased her. She gave a small smile.

Good? As if.

After dinner, they retired to the bedroom. He didn't even say anything to her and slept. Haneen looked at him with disappointment in her eyes. How much she had hoped for her married life and it all went down the drain with him. She took out her prayer mat and talked to Allah, the one who always listened to her. She talked to him about Aaban, about herself and just to help her and ease her life. She didn't complain because she was patiently waiting. She believed that everything could be managed just with a little patience. She wanted to make this relationship work because it was just the beginning and she had to spend her whole life with him. This was certainly not possible if things remained like this.

The next two days passed just like that. Aaban gave her the same silent treatment and then it was time to go back home. Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach as she was about to leave. She didn't want to go back there. She wanted to stay here only, in her safe haven, in her own cocoon protected under the wings of her parents and brothers away from all evils of the world.

She began crying again as she bid them bye and settled in the car. When they reached home, his mother greeted them warmly.

"I missed you both too much." She hugged them together. She was just too cute for words. "Come Haneen, tell me how was it? Did you enjoy there? How was everyone? Let this boring boy go and do his dear work. He doesn't care about anything else."

"That's a bit too harsh, Ammi." [Mother] He faked hurt. "Also, I don't have any work today."

"Still, you won't sit with us."

"Why not?" He made a face and settled beside her.

Haneen was the quietest among them. She just answered whatever was asked from her. She was still too uptight with them.

"Aaban, take Haneen out for dinner tonight. Go."

"But?" He began.

"No buts. Be quiet and just go with her. Take her out. Go to her favourite place or whatever people do nowadays on dates. Just go."

Haneen looked at her with wide eyes. How casual was she with her son.

"What about you?"

"I am going to my friend's place for dinner and you aren't invited. Also there's nothing cooked at home and don't you dare order something from outside. Just go out and eat."

"Okayyy mom. Calm down." He gave in.

"Get ready." He told her and settled on the couch, watching some random news channel on TV.

Aaban heard some steps and looked behind to see her walking down the stairs in her beautiful white dress. She looked the best in shades of white because she truly looked like an angel in that. For a moment, he felt dazed. However cold he was with her, this remained a fact that she was the most beautiful girl he had ever laid his eyes on. His phone rang and he picked it up, going outside and starting his car. Haneen locked the door and settled inside as he drove away. They reached a restaurant and ordered food. Aaban couldn't help but notice how little she ate. No wonder, she was so slim.

"Are you okay now?" He asked out of nowhere.

Haneen was taken aback before replying with a hum. She was having a hard time figuring him out and she found it really difficult because she was sure that this behavior was going to last for one night only and tomorrow he would be back to his rude and arrogant self.

"When do you want to come back to the office?"

"Whenever you say."

"Next week?"

She just nodded, finding it okay.