THE END OF LOVE

Dear Reader!

The novel is named "The End of Love" because it explores every facet of love, from the simplest to the most profound. It also imparts small lessons, like not lying to your parents, being modest, and understanding that good men are for good women and bad men for bad women. I hope that if you haven't learned much from this story, you've at least gained something.

Enjoy reading!

EPISODE 01

It was noon, and while everyone was engrossed in their offices and work, the dining table at Ibrahim Villa was laden with various dishes and accompaniments. Ibrahim Sahab was seated at the head of the table, while to his right sat Laiba, gently stirring her plate of food, her large brown eyes reflecting a hint of laziness. On his left, Ulfat Begum was voicing her concerns, sharing what her sister had said earlier, "I still say it's better to resolve this matter within the family. Hammad isn't that bad."

"Amma, I've told you, I want to study first. I have dreams of my own," Laiba replied with a touch of irritation.

"We'll discuss this later. Don't start arguing at the dining table, both of you," Ibrahim Sahab interjected firmly.

"Abba, can I go to Humaira's house today? Kinza is also coming, and we need to do some combined study," Laiba said, then quickly dashed to her room without waiting for a response.

"You've given her too much freedom," Ulfat Begum grumbled, but Ibrahim Sahab just smiled.

Laiba slammed the door behind her and called Humaira. "Have you made all the arrangements? Yes, yes, I'll bring the money. Two pizza boxes and three burgers. Alright, so it's an outdoor plan? Fine, I'll be there by 5 o'clock. Okay, hang up now." She tossed her phone on the bed and turned to her wardrobe. "No, not the pink one...," she muttered to herself while deciding what to wear in front of the dressing table. "Yes, black is perfect, as always."

Meanwhile, at Qaasr-e-Sikandar, things were equally busy. Sikandar Usman was at his office, and Mrs. Sikandar was having lunch at the dining table when her phone rang. Startled by the sound, she answered the call, "Assalamualaikum Rehana, how are you? It's been so long since you called!"

"Walaikum assalam, Bhabhi. I've just been busy. I'm coming to Pakistan this weekend," Rehana replied enthusiastically.

"Oh my Allah, really? Usman was just talking about you all yesterday," Mrs. Sikandar said, smiling. Then she paused and asked, "Is Samreen coming too? You must bring her along."

"Yes, yes, Bhabhi, I'm coming mainly for her. We're looking for a match, so please keep an eye out for a handsome boy," Rehana hinted playfully.

"Of course, Rehana. Samreen is like our own daughter. May Allah bless her with a good fate," Mrs. Sikandar replied warmly. The conversation continued with pleasantries and inquiries about each other's well-being before they finally said goodbye and hung up.

Just then, a tall, well-groomed young man with neatly gelled hair and a handsome face, dressed in a suit and holding a briefcase, approached the dining table. Seeing Hina, he greeted her with a salam, "You came home early today?" she asked with a slight smile.

"Yes, Mummy, I was exhausted, so I came home early," he replied, his face showing signs of fatigue.

"Suleiman, your aunt and uncle are coming this weekend. You won't be too busy, right?" she asked after a slight pause.

"No, no, I'll make sure not to be too busy," he replied with a mischievous grin and a playful glint in his eyes. Both of them chuckled, knowing well how he often made excuses to go out whenever guests arrived. Suleiman climbed the stairs to his room, which was tastefully furnished with expensive furniture.