•𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚| ✓

Fourth chapter چوہتا باب

Rayyan stood at her door, gazing at Maha, tears cascading down her face. With a sigh, he entered her room, taking a seat beside her. "What's troubling you, Maha? Why are you crying so much?" he asked, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. She closed her eyes, finding solace against his chest, and burst into tears upon hearing his gentle inquiry.

Stunned by her anguish, Rayyan's heart wrenched, seeing his dear one, his "dil ka tukra," in distress. He gently rubbed her shoulder and inquired again, "maha meri jaan, itna kyun rorahi ho tabyt kharab hojaegi, dekhe kese gaal or naak laal hogain hai"

(Maha, my dear, what happened? Don't cry so much, my love. Your health will suffer. Look, both your nose and cheeks have turned so red.)

Seeking solace, he consoled her, "bhai...u-usne kaha...usne kaha he doesn't love ke" and she cried harder.

(bhai, he said he doesn't love me)

Rayyan, bewildered, asked, "Maha, whom are you talking about? Whose words are these?" Making her look at him, he noticed her bloodshot eyes, reddened nose and cheeks, and quivering lips. "Arsh, bhai. He said he didn't love me," she mumbled.

Dumbfounded, Rayyan furrowed his brows, seeking clarification, "arsh, your aunt's son, right? You love him? Maha, do you even think about him? Your aunt didn't let her come to their house because of him. And you were contemplating about her son?" His anger simmered as he spoke.

She shook her head, sobbing, "No, b-bhai. He said h-he would agree to everything, but he just wanted to bring me down." Rayyan, feeling rage toward that man, pulled her closer, planting a gentle kiss on her hair. "What Allah does is for the best, Maha. It's good that he revealed it now. Everyone now knows his true colors," he reassured her.

As she looked at him again, she pleaded, "Brother, please don't tell Ammi and Abu about this." He nodded, covering her with a quilt, and left the room after ensuring she fell asleep.

Mahid, silently observing, approached Rayyan. Rayyan raised an eyebrow, and Mahid expressed his anger, "I know about arsh and this scoundrel, brother. I won't let him off easily. What does he think of himself?" Rayyan, meeting his anger with a small smile, responded, "It was a childhood love, and now it's over. Don't tell anyone. Maha's character will come into question."

As Rayyan turned to leave, Mahid added, "May Allah give a husband like you to my sister." A smile adorned Rayyan's lips as he muttered, "May Allah make me Maha's husband, too."
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In the warmth of the family gathering, joy and excitement enveloped the room. Dada Jaan, with a gleam in his eyes, turned to Rehana Begum, "beta, tell me, who is the lucky girl for Rayyan?"

Rehana Begum's face lit up with a tender smile as she shared, "It's Maha." The room echoed with smiles as Dada Jaan and Dadi Jaan exchanged approving glances. Turning to his younger son, Dada Jaan inquired, "What's your opinion, Rehan? Should we go ahead with Maha and Rayyan's union?"

Rehan, wearing a heartfelt smile, began expressing his concern about Maha's age, but before he could finish, Beena, his wife, eagerly jumped in, "Abu, whatever you decide is perfect. Rayyan understands Maha like no one else. He's the one who holds her close to his heart."

Laughter and joy echoed in the room, creating an atmosphere filled with happiness and anticipation. Dada Jaan, sensing the positive energy, decided to personally approach his grandson and granddaughter about the alliance. The room was now alive with a mix of emotions, from the fluttering butterflies of anticipation to the overwhelming happiness that permeated every heart in the family.
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Under the veiled night sky, Mahad stealthily approached the kitchen, only to catch Zoya standing there. With a mischievous spirit, he gently jerked her shoulder, eliciting a startled yelp from her. As she turned, he couldn't contain his laughter, earning a swift smack on his head in return. Squinting, Mahad retorted, "Bada hun tumse, tameez karo, larki." Zoya mockingly laughed, saying, "Bas ek saal hi toh hai."