"You walked into the lion's den, sweetheart," he whispered, stepping closer. "And lions don't let go so easily."
He looked down at her leg, at her trembling hands, and the fear in her eyes.
"A beautiful young girl like you," he chuckled, "shouldn't...
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Author's POV
It had been a few days since Zubair and Sadafa's nikah, and the entire house still carried that leftover wedding warmth—flowers drying in corners, laughter echoing faintly, and a strange, contented silence between certain people who definitely pretended they weren't in love.
Mishti sat on the carpet in the sunlit living room, legs folded awkwardly, trying to follow Aaliyah bhabijaan's yoga instructions like a good girl. Or at least... trying.
"Back straight, Mishti," Aaliyah said gently, adjusting her posture.
She made a tiny suffering face. "Bhabijaan, this is hard..."
Sultan, who was sitting barely two feet away on the couch like her personal cheerleader, didn't even hesitate.
"Yes, it's hard. She can't do it.Let her go."
Aaliyah's head swiveled. "Sultan—"
"What?" he shrugged, completely serious. "She said it's hard. It looks hard. I can't even look at it, it's so hard."
Mishti bit her lip, trying not to smile like an idiot. She lifted her arms again, only for them to tremble a little.
"See?Impossible. She'll fall apart."
Aaliyah sighed. "Again, sweetheart. Lift your arms."
Mishti obeyed. Barely five seconds passed.
"Bhabijaan..." She whispered tragically.
Sultan leaned forward instantly, voice soft but loud enough to be heard. "She can't do it. Let her go. Please."
Aaliyah gave him a look. The look.
"One time is okay, Sultan. Second time, fine. But third time—" She glared. "Stop helping her cheat!"
He blinked. Actually blinked. "...But she said—"
"No." Aaliyah crossed her arms. "You're hopeless. Both of you."
Mishti bent forward—probably incorrectly—and squeaked when her hamstring pulled. "Ow!"
Instant chaos.
Sultan sprang off the couch, throwing his hands up. "She's injured! That's it. No more yoga. Cancel the whole program."
"Sultan!" Aaliyah groaned.
"What?!" He pointed dramatically at Mishti's face. "Look at her! She's in pain!"
Mishti wasn't in pain, actually... she was laughing now, because the man looked like he was about to wage war.
Aaliyah shook her head, defeated. "Fine. Ten minutes break. Just ten."
He smugly helped Mishti stand even though she didn't need help, holding her hand longer than necessary.
