ISHQ SUFIYANA

25|.

The soft light of the afternoon streamed through the thin curtains of Inaya's room, casting a warm, golden light over the room. Inaya and Mrunali were sprawled across the bed. Mrunali leaning on her elbows and Inaya is cross-legged with her laptop balanced on her knees.

"So, here's the resort I booked for them," Inaya said, clicking through the series of images on her screen.  "And I chose the honeymoon suite with an ocean view. I've arranged for everything—from the candlelight dinners to the snorkelling adventures. They won't have to worry about anything!"

"Rohan bhaiya and Nirvi bhabhi are going to love this. It's perfect!" Mrunali said.

"I've been watching them, Mrunali. Bhaiya's been so caught up with work lately. They deserve this time together, just the two of them. That's why I'm planning to give it to them tomorrow, after Raksha Bandhan," Inaya replied.

Mrunali nodded. " I only wish I found someone like you to plan my honeymoon," she joked.

Inaya chuckled. "Oh, don't worry, Mrunali. When the time comes, I'll make sure yours is just as special."

They both laughed when the door suddenly creaked open. Inaya snapped her laptop shut, saving her from revealing her surprise early.

Nirvi and Ishaan entered the room. "What's going on in here?" Nirvi asked.

 "Oh, nothing much," Inaya replied and chuckled nervously.

Nirvi raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Really?"

"Yeah, we were just discussing... uh... some fashion stuff! You know how we are," Mrunali said

"Anyway, where's Advay?" Inaya asked, changing the subject.

"He'll be here in a bit. Had to finish up some work," Ishaan replied. "Why? Missing him already?"

"She's probably counting the minutes until he gets here. Right, Inaya?" Nirvi said smirking

Inaya felt her cheeks warm up. "No, I was just asking—"

"You know, Inaya, it's so cute how you get all flustered whenever someone mentions Advay bhai," Ishaan teased

Inaya rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay, enough about me! Let's talk about you, Ishaan," she said "How's Natasha doing?"

"Wait, Natasha? My cousin Natasha?" Nirvi asked surprised.

"Yes, bhabhi. Ishaan has been spending quite a bit of time with her lately" Inaya said.

"Ishaan and Natasha? Since when?" Nirvi asked

"Well, it all started during your wedding. We got to talking, and... well, one thing led to another, and now we're dating," Ishaan replied.

"Wah, meri shaadi ne sabki jodiyan bana di! First Inaya and Advay, now you and Natasha," Nirvi said as she clapped her hands.

"Everyone's finding love except me! When will I get a boyfriend?" Mrunali said.

The room erupts in laughter as Mrunali dramatically falls back onto the bed, throwing her arms over her head.

"Don't worry, Mrunali. Your time will come." Inaya said.

"I'll go make some coffee for you all. You continue your chit-chat, and I'll be back in a bit," saying that, Nirvi walked out of the room, and the three continued talking.

The atmosphere in the room was warm and filled with laughter, but Mrunali's phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the screen and sighed.

"Ugh, not him again," she muttered before answering the call. Her tone immediately shifted to a professional, "Hello, Mr Gupta."