Adeeba and Ayaan sat together on a bench in her paternal home's serene garden, surrounded by lush greenery and soft evening sky.
**Ayaan:** "What are your thoughts on marriage, Adeeba?"
**Adeeba:** "I think it's something pure and unbreakable. The bond one person gets ready for when they're sure it's time to take that responsibility... feel that unconditional love and respect grow. A new personality emerges for their loved ones."
Ayaan's eyes locked onto hers, filled with emotion.
**Ayaan:** "Your words... they resonate deep within me.
I never thought someone could understand marriage – and love – the way I do.
You're describing my exact feelings...
As if you're reading my soul.
Do you believe in marrying someone when you feel that time is right?"
His voice barely above whisper.
**Adeeba:** (raising an eyebrow, teasing tone) "Wait, let me get this straight – are you asking me to marry you on our... essentially first official meeting?"
Ayaan's face turned slightly pink as he chuckled nervously.
**Ayaan:** (laughing softly) "Maybe not exactly proposing... yet. But exploring the possibility..."
**Adeeba:** (still teasing, voice playful) "Exploring with someone you barely know – either I'm special or you're impulse-prone!"
Ayaan's eyes sparkled with amusement and affection.
**Ayaan:** "Definitely special – and I'm willing to take that chance..."
**Ayaan:** "So, hypothetically speaking... if we both felt ready – would your answer be yes?"
**Adeeba:** (smiling softly) "Final call would be my parents' – their blessing is everything to me."
Ayaan's face lit up with amusement, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
**Ayaan:** (smirking slyly)
Meanwhile, inside the house, Adeeba's parents sat with Ayaan's mother, discussing
**Nimra (Adeeba's Mother):** "We've seen how Ayaan looks at our daughter – pure affection. What do you think, Shifa Auntie – should we consider their marriage?"
**Shifa (Ayaan's Mother):** "I've never seen Ayaan so smitten. His father and I approve wholeheartedly."
**Adeeba's Father:** "Then it's almost settled. Our families align perfectly."
**Shifa:** "Almost... Ayaan mentioned something to his father earlier today – he wants Adeeba's explicit consent before proceeding."
**Nimra:** "That's thoughtful of him. But typically, children respect our decisions..."
**Shifa:** "Ayaan said specifically – 'Final decision should be Adeeba's, not ours or hers – hers alone.' He wants her heart to fully agree."
**Raheem** (Adeeba's brother, sitting with a knowing smirk)
**Sameera** (Raheem's wife, noticing his smirk): "Raheem, what's amusing you?"
**Raheem:** (leaning in, voice low) "Now the truth will unfold – what Adeeba's been hiding from everyone..."
**Sameera:** (looking at him in disbelief) "Your plan is behind this? Raheem, what have you done?! This isn't right – manipulating your sister's life for your own suspicions!"
**Raheem:** (smirk unchanged) "Adeeba needs to be exposed. Her secrets will ruin our family's reputation if revealed later."
(Sameera's worried expression...)
**Sameera:** "I am very disappointed in you, Raheem."
**Raheem:** "It's good for Adeeba only... I just saw how Ayaan looks at her – intensely. And if I'm honest, I'm sure Adeeba will say no to this marriage."
But they didn't know that this scenario will actually help Adeeba succeed with her secret plan, unaware that Raheem's actions will eventually entwine with her hidden intentions...
Adeeba and Ayaan enter, smiling softly at each other.
**Shifa (Ayaan's Mother):** "Adeeba beta, we were just discussing... Ayaan had a question for you earlier. May we assume your answer is yes?"
**Adeeba:** (shyly nodding her head, blush rising to her cheeks)
(Inwardly...)
**Adeeba's thoughts:** "YES!!! I'm doing it – my secret plan is still safe, and I get him!!! *inwardly dancing with joy*"
**Raheem's eyes widen in shock**, his previous smirk frozen in surprise – Adeeba accepted the proposal?
____________
Adeeba's parents enveloped her in warm hugs, Nimra and her father beaming with pride. "We're so proud of your decision, beta – Ayaan is perfect for you!" they exclaimed. But behind her gentle smile, Adeeba inwardly scoffed – knowing her true intentions remained hidden. Meanwhile, Raheem's eyes never left hers, his gaze lingering until he finally broke away to whisper to Sameera before turning back to Adeeba. Then, his lips barely moved as he mouthed: "My study. Now." Adeeba's response was a subtle, knowing smirk – a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes as she nodded almost imperceptibly.
Raheem pressed on, "If you didn't want to marry him, we could still decline the proposal now – no harm done."
But his words ignited Adeeba's fury – her eyes blazing with anger.
"First you doubt me, then you try to control me, and NOW you act like you're saving me?!
I've made up my mind, Raheem – I'm ready for this marriage. Don't pretend to protect me!"
She spun around to storm out, but halted abruptly as she saw
Sameera entering the room, a concerned look on her face.
Adeeba's exit was postponed – she stood frozen, wondering what Sameera had witnessed...
Sameera stood calmly amidst the tension, her eyes gentle as she reached out to Adeeba.
She softly took Adeeba's hand in hers, her voice soothing.
"Adeeba, beta, if you don't want this marriage, we'll tell everyone together – your parents, Ayaan's family... just say the word."
Adeeba's gaze lingered on Sameera's concerned face before shifting to Raheem's intense stare.
Her voice barely above whisper, Adeeba replied,
"I don't have to say anything..."
Glancing pointedly at Raheem, she continued,
"Actually, Sameera Bhabhi – start the marriage preparations."
Sameera's eyes narrowed slightly, unsure what to make of Adeeba's unexpected instruction, while Raheem's face darkened further...
Adeeba locked her bedroom door behind her, leaning against it with a sly smile.
She swirled around her room, excitement building up inside her.
Then, she grabbed her phone and dialed a number – waiting eagerly for the call to connect.
When the person answered, Adeeba screamed into the phone:
"OMG, I'M GETTING MARRIED!!"
Her voice echoed with mock excitement and hidden triumph, awaiting the recipient's shocked response...
Adeeba giggled softly at the voice on the other end, clearly anticipating this response.
The recipient's words were laced with amusement and insider knowledge:
"Adi, now you have what you want... what's next?"
Adeeba's reply was casual and final:
"Nothing – I'm marrying him and done."
Adeeba's laughter stopped abruptly at the recipient's blunt words.
"Think one more time, Adi... because he's not your love – he's your obsession."
Isha's blunt words seemed to spark defiance in Adeeba.
Her voice firm and resolute, Adeeba replied:
"Obsession or what – I don't care, Isha!
For the first time, I've made decisions about my own life...
and I know this will turn out beautifully."
Adeeba's conviction was palpable, as if she'd finally claimed control over her destiny.