Chapter 3
AUTHOR POV:
Aayat sat in the quiet library of her college, a thick book spread open in front of her.
The golden afternoon sunlight filtered through the tall windows, streaking across the tables and shelves stacked with books.
Students moved silently around her, but her mind wasn't on the words printed on the page.
Every line blurred, every paragraph slipped away.
All she could think about was last evening.
How in a matter of minutes, everything had changed.
Kal tak... he was Rayyan bhai... but now? No, not anymore. Ab se, he's just Rayyan for me.
(Until yesterday... he was Rayyan bhai... but now? No, not anymore. From now on, he is just Rayyan for me.)
Her heart fluttered at the thought. The memory of her father's voice still echoed in her ears when he spoke about fixing her rishta with Rayyan Malik.
The same Rayyan who had always shielded her since childhood, who always saved her from scoldings, who carried her burdens quietly without complaint.
Aayat's lips trembled into a small smile.
She remembered those countless times when her exam marks fell short and everyone scolded her, but Rayyan always stood in front, taking the storm on himself.
Aur aj... he's not just my cousin anymore. He's... mine.
(And today... he’s not just my cousin anymore. He’s... mine.)
The sudden rush of warmth in her chest made her close her book. She couldn't pretend to study anymore.
---
The day passed slowly, and when her classes finally ended, Aayat stepped out of the main building, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. Just as she crossed the front steps, her eyes froze.
There he was.
Rayyan Malik, leaning casually against his car, his tall frame straight, his expression calm yet watchful.
The moment her eyes landed on him, her heartbeat stumbled.
For years she had seen him in countless ways-as her cousin, her protector, her brotherly figure.
But today, every image felt different, sharper, closer to her heart.
"Rayyan?" she walked toward him quickly, her brows furrowed. "Aap yahan? aap ko toh is waqt office mein hona chahiye tha."
(Rayyan? You’re here? You were supposed to be at the office at this time na?)
Rayyan turned to look at her. His lips curved into the faintest smile.
" Is waqt mujhe Jahan hona chahiye tha, main wahi hoon Aayat.
" His deep voice held a softness that stirred her chest. He opened the car door for her without another word.
Aayat blinked, her cheeks warming, and slipped inside.
(I am exactly where I should be right now, Aayat.)
Moments later, Rayyan settled behind the wheel. The car rolled forward, smooth and steady. Aayat glanced out of the window, then back at him. "Rayyan, ghar ka raasta toh doosri taraf hai."
(Rayyan, this road isn’t leading to home, is it?)
He didn't look at her, just kept his gaze ahead. "Hum ghar nahi jaa rahe."
(We are not going home.)
Her brows shot up. "Kya? Lekin... ghar pe toh sab mera wait kar rahe honge."
(What? But... everyone at home must be waiting for me.)
"Maine bata diya tha," Rayyan replied simply.
"Unhone ijazat de di."
(I already informed them.) (They gave permission.)
Aayat's face instantly brightened.
"Sach?!" Her lips spread into a delighted smile.
"Toh phir chaliye pehle lunch kar lete hain. Mujhe bohot bhook lagi hai."
(Really?) ( Then let’s have lunch first. I’m really hungry.)
For the first time in what felt like forever, Rayyan laughed.
Aayat's head snapped toward him, eyes wide.
"Aap... haste bhi hain?" She leaned closer, her eyes playfully narrowed.
"I thought you were always serious. Maine toh apko kabhi kisi se baat karte be nahi dekha kuch second se zada.
(You... actually laugh too?) (I’ve never even seen you talk to anyone for more than a few seconds.)
Rayyan chuckled, shaking his head. "Tum kam bakwas karti ho?
Har waqt bolti rehti ho, bina wajah hasti rehti ho.
Mujhe lagta hai mere hissay ka bhi tumhi bolti ho.
"
(Do you ever talk less nonsense? You keep talking all the time and laughing for no reason.
I think you even speak on my behalf too.)
Aayat tilted her head, mimicking a dramatic laugh, "Ha..ha..ha... bohot hi bura joke tha."
(Ha..ha..ha... that was a really bad joke.)
Rayyan shook his head in disbelief, but a soft smile lingered on his lips.
---
The restaurant they stopped at was quiet, warm, and filled with the aroma of fresh bread and spices. They ordered food, and once they were settled, Rayyan looked across at her. His fingers tapped lightly against the glass of water before him.
"Tum... hamare rishte ki baat se khush ho na?"
(You’re happy about our relationship, right?)
Aayat's cheeks flushed pink instantly. She lowered her gaze, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta. "Haan," she whispered. "Jo mere Abu bolenge, woh mere liye sahi hoga. Mujhe yaqeen hai."
(Yes. Whatever my Abu decides will be right for me. I trust him.)
Rayyan studied her face quietly. "Toh tumne sirf apne Abu ke liye haan kaha? Kya main tumhe pasand nahi hoon?"
(So you said yes only because of your Abu? Don’t you like me?)
Her head shot up, eyes locking with his. For a long, suspended moment, the world faded. It was just his gaze, deep, unshakable, pulling every answer from her heart.
His smile was faint but tender, his thoughts hidden yet loud. Aayat, tum meri woh dua ho... jo main Allah se hamesha maangta tha. Aur aaj, woh dua qabool ho kar mere samne baithi hai.
(
Aayat, you are that prayer I always asked Allah for... and today, that prayer is sitting in front of me, accepted.)
"Kya dekh rahi ho? Jawaab do." His voice was low, almost teasing. "Kya main tumhe pasand nahi?"
(What are you looking at? Answer me. Don’t you like me?)
Aayat's lips trembled. She lowered her eyes. "Sach bolun?"
(Should I tell the truth?)
"Haan. Sirf sach."
(Yes. Only the truth.)
Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Kal se pehle... kabhi aapke baare mein aise nahi socha maine. Lekin kal raat se bas aap hi mere dimaag mein ho. Jo qualities maine hamesha sochi thi apne husband ke liye... woh sab aap mein hain. Main bohot khush hoon iss rishte se."
(Before yesterday... I never thought about you this way. But since last night, you’re the only one on my mind. All the qualities I always imagined in my husband... you have them all. I’m very happy with this relationship.)
Rayyan's heart softened at her honesty. His smile widened, and he leaned back, relief flooding his chest. "Sun kar acha laga. Ab tum mere baare mein sochti ho."
(It feels good hearing that. Now you think about me too.)
Aayat glanced at him shyly, half hiding her face behind her dupatta. "Mujhe nahi pata tha ap aise .... aise kisi say baat karte ho gay...."
("I didn’t know you could talk to someone like this...)
"Kisi se nahi karta," Rayyan said softly.
"Sirf tumse. Apni Aayat se." His voice grew steady, promising.
"Main puri koshish karunga ke tumhe hamesha khush rakhu.
Mujhe badi badi baatein nahi aati aayat.
.. ke kabhi tumhari aankhon mein aansu nahi aane dunga.
Agar main aisa kahoon, toh jhoot hoga. Lekin main ye wada karta hoon, jab bhi tumhari aankhon mein aansu aayenge.
.. unhe saaf main hi karunga. Sirf Tumhari khushiyon mein nahi.
.. tumhare dard mein bhi tumhara saath dunga. "
(I don’t talk like this to anyone. Only to you.
To my Aayat.) (I will try my best to always keep you happy.
I don’t know how to make big promises, Aayat.
.. like saying I’ll never let tears come to your eyes.
If I say that, it would be a lie. But I promise you this—whenever tears come to your eyes.
.. I will be the one to wipe them away. I will stand beside you not only in your happiness. .. but also in your pain.)
Her chest tightened, her eyes shining. She looked at him through her lashes, a smile trembling on her lips. "Vaada?"
(Promise?)
"Vaada," he replied firmly.
(Promise.)
---
After lunch, the two stepped out into the bustling streets. Rayyan unlocked the car, but before getting in he asked, "Aur batao. Ab kahan jana chahti ho?"
(So tell me, where do you want to go now?)
Aayat pretended to think hard, then suddenly her face lit up. "Shopping!"
Rayyan turned to her, eyes widening. "No."
She pouted instantly, making the most innocent face. "Yes."
"Aayat..." he groaned, but she clasped her hands together, puppy eyes shining. Rayyan shook his head, finally giving in with a quiet laugh. "Theek hai. Chalo."
(Fine. Let's go.)
Her cheer exploded as they drove toward the mall.
Inside, Aayat's energy filled every corner.
She picked three suits, tried on sandals that she insisted were "Rayyan-approved," and giggled her way through racks of fabrics.
At one point, Rayyan guided her toward a jewelry shop.
Before she could protest, he selected a delicate diamond bracelet and fastened it gently around her wrist.
"Aur yeh... meri taraf se tumhare liye tohfa," he said, his voice low, almost reverent.
(And this... is a gift for you from me.)
Aayat's lips parted in surprise, her heart racing. She stared at the bracelet, then at him. "Rayyan..." her voice faltered.
Before she could gather words, she dragged him toward the men's section.
With equal determination, she picked out a suit and then a sleek watch.
Slipping the watch onto his wrist, she grinned.
"Aur yeh meri taraf se... aap ke liye. Ek pyara sa tohfa.
"
(And this is from me... for you. A lovely little gift.)
Rayyan shook his head, laughing. "Pagal."
(Crazy.)
Hours passed like minutes, and suddenly Aayat groaned dramatically, clutching her stomach. "Chaliye, mujhe phir se bhook lag rahi hai."
(Come on, I’m hungry again.)
Rayyan gave her an incredulous look. "Tumhara pait itni jaldi khali kaise ho jata hai?"
(How does your stomach get empty so quickly?)
She instantly put on a sad face. "Theek hai... mujhe nahi khana." She turned away, pretending to sulk.
(Fine... I won’t eat then.)
Rayyan sighed and caught her wrist, pulling her back. "Okay, okay. Main toh mazak kar raha tha."
(Okay, okay. I was just joking.)
Aayat burst into laughter, her eyes twinkling. "Aur main bhi mazak kar rahi thi! Main itni jaldi roti nahi."
(And I was joking too! I don’t cry that easily.)
Rayyan stared at her in disbelief. "Tumne mere saamne drama kiya?"
(You acted dramatically in front of me?)
She tilted her head mischievously. "Haan. Aur abhi bohot karungi."
(Yes. And I’ll do it a lot more.)
Before he could reply, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, then at her apologetically. "Zaroori call hai. Tum order de do, main bas aata hoon."
(It’s an important call. You place the order, I’ll be right back.)
She nodded, slipping inside the restaurant again. Sitting at a table, she ordered a plate of momos and distracted herself with her phone. Suddenly, someone cleared their throat.
She looked up. A tall young man stood across from her table, his eyes sharp.
"This is my seat," he said flatly.
Aayat raised her brow. "Oh really? Apka naam kya hai? kya mein jaan sakti hoon?"
(Oh really? What’s your name? May I know?)
" Ayaan khan."
'Ayaan khan' aayat uska nam laite huye khadi hui , aur chair ko achay se dekh kar wapas beth gaye...
" Sorry per chair par apka naam nahi likha."
(Sorry, but your name isn’t written on the chair.)
He leaned down slightly, his palm pressing against the table. " Zaroorat se zyada hoshiyari mehengi pad sakti hai. Abhi tum jaanti nahi ho main hoon kon aur kya kar sakta hoon."
(Being overly smart can cost you dearly.) (you don’t know who I am or what I can do.)
Aayat smirked, folding her arms. "Abhi toh bataya tha. Ayaan Khan hain ap. Ap khud bhool gaye kya? Aur Ayaan Khan... Salman Khan nahi ho ke main tumhe jaanti houngi. Ab jao yahan se. Warna..."
(You just told me. You’re Ayaan Khan. Did you forget already? And Ayaan Khan... you’re not Salman Khan that I’d automatically know you. Now leave from here. Otherwise...)
He narrowed his eyes. "Warna kya?"
(Otherwise what?)
Her voice dropped, laced with playful threat. "Warna main sabko bol dungi ke tum mujhe tang kar rahe ho. Phir socho, kya hoga."
(Otherwise I’ll tell everyone that you’re bothering me. Then think about what will happen.)
She leaned back casually, grinning. Ayaan stared at her, surprised, then suddenly chuckled. "Tum bohot evil ho."
(You are very evil.)
His phone rang, breaking the moment. He glanced at the screen and muttered into the call, then handed the waiter a cash. "Yeh order ab inhe de dena," he said, gesturing toward Aayat before walking out.
(Give this order to her now.)
Confused, Aayat followed his departing figure with her eyes. pagal insan.
(Crazy person.)
"Kinhein dekh rahi ho?" Rayyan's voice suddenly came from behind her. She startled, spinning around to find him walking toward the table.
(Who are you looking at?)
She smiled innocently. "Ek pagal ko."
(A crazy person.)
Rayyan raised his brows, settling across from her. "Pagal dekhna tha toh sheesha dekh leti. Wahan bhi mil jata."
"If you wanted to see a crazy person, you could’ve looked in the mirror. You would’ve found one there too.)
Aayat gasped dramatically. "Aap mujhe pagal keh rahe hain?"
(Are you calling me crazy?)
Rayyan's laugh filled the space, warm and real, the sound wrapping around her heart. For the first time in her life, Aayat Malik realized: she wasn't just somebody's cousin anymore. She was somebody's entire world.
°°°°°°°