•𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚| ✓

Third chapter تیسرا باب

Rayyan's hope consistently crumbled as he heard her response. Maha glanced back at him, her words soft, "Ap k bare mai aise khayalat ate hi nahi, bhai." With that, she turned to leave, unaware of the emotional storm she left behind in his heart.

(I can never think of you like that)

Maha rushed down the stairs, entering her room with a forceful slam of the door. Leaning against it, she placed her hand on her chest, feeling her heart race. Closing her eyes, she breathed heavily, struggling to calm herself. The proximity of Rayyan always left her breathless, a sensation she vehemently denied. He was her bhaijaan, 11 years her senior – that was the boundary.

Despite her attempts to dismiss any romantic thoughts, her heart betrayed her, fluttering at his closeness. Her affections lay elsewhere, on arsh, her khala's son. Unlike Rayyan, arsh possessed a calm nature, and she found solace in that.

Sighing, she opened her eyes and settled on her bed. Whispers to Allah escaped her lips, seeking divine assistance to rid her heart of thoughts she wished not to entertain. "Allah mere dil se inka khayyal nikalne mai meri madad karen. Mai inke bare mai aisa nhi sochna chahti lkin khud hi ajata h"

(Help me forgetting him ya Allah,  I dont wanna think about him like that but I cant help it)

Looking up, as if directly addressing Allah, she laid on her bed and closed her eyes, hoping for peaceful sleep to greet her, she had to up early!

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The morning at Khan Villa unfolded with its customary vibrancy on a Sunday. In the kitchen, Maha, Hadia, and Dua diligently worked to prepare breakfast for the family, upholding their Sunday tradition to provide their ammi with a well-deserved respite. However, amidst the lively banter and the clatter of kitchen utensils, a subtle undercurrent of unease lingered, notably affecting Dua.

Dua's usually animated demeanor appeared subdued, her gaze distant as she mechanically beat the eggs. The source of her inner turmoil was evident to Maha, who suspected that Arshad's obliviousness to the sacred bond of marriage might be at the heart of it all. Despite divine teachings emphasizing kindness towards one's spouse, Arshad seemed to miss the sanctity of their relationship.

Maha couldn't help but sigh, empathizing with her sister-in-law's unspoken struggles. She watched as Dua fervently beat the eggs, each motion carrying a hint of unexpressed frustration. Gently placing her hand on Dua's shoulder, Maha softly spoke, "Bhabhi, anda beat hogaya hai," causing Dua to startle and return from her distant thoughts. Shaking her head, Dua poured the beaten eggs onto the frying pan, the intensity of her actions reflecting the emotional storm within.

(The eggs are already beaten enough bhabhi)

In that shared kitchen moment, the unspoken understanding between Maha and Dua resonated with the complexities of emotions, unexpressed concerns, and the silent strength that bound them together. As Maha also immersed herself in her tasks, the kitchen held not only the aroma of breakfast but an atmosphere charged with the depth of unspoken feelings.
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Mahad was engrossed in a phone call when the door dramatically swung open, revealing the unwelcome figure of Zoya Khan, a girl he absolutely loathed.

Rolling his eyes, he greeted whoever was on the call with a casual "Salam." Turning his attention to Zoya, he couldn't resist a touch of sarcasm. "Kahiye madam, kuch kaam tha apko is peasant se?" he quipped, a smirk playing on his lips. Zoya's glare, more potent than the combined glares of Arshad and Rayyan, only intensified as she bore holes into him, adding an unexpected layer of humor to the situation.