Chapter 2
Rayyan's POV:
The Malik mansion always echoed with life, with laughter, with the carefree chatter of cousins and siblings.
But for Rayyan Malik, the noise never truly reached him.
He lived in silence-his world defined by numbers, business meetings, and endless responsibilities.
People often said he was heartless, a man too serious for his age. But no one knew the truth.
Because the truth was a secret.
And the secret had a name-Aayat Malik.
From the day she was born, wrapped in a pink blanket, giggling with her innocent eyes, Rayyan's world had shifted.
She was his uncle's daughter, his cousin, his family.
.. but for him, she was something more. Something sacred.
He never said it aloud, never dared to. Instead, he prayed.
Every dua, every tear on his prayer mat, carried her name.
And now, as he watched her walk into her college building from the driver's seat of his car, he felt that same ache in his chest-the ache of unspoken love.
---
Later that evening, Rayyan returned home.
His room was neat, minimalist, everything in its place.
He removed his watch, placed it on the bedside table, and loosened his tie.
For the world, he was untouchable-India's top businessman at twenty-eight, a man people feared to approach. But when it came to her, he was weak.
He sat by the window, staring out at the city lights.
"Ya Allah... jo mere dil mein hai, usse meri zindagi bana de," he whispered. "Meri har dua sirf uske naam se hai... meri Aayat."
(O Allah... make the one in my heart a part of my destiny.) (Every prayer of mine carries only her name... my Aayat.)
---
Downstairs, the family gathered in the large sitting area.
Shagufta Malik (Aayat ki ammi) and Nafeesa Malik (Rayyan ki ammi) were chatting over tea.
Saad and Huzaif debated over cricket, while Hayaat Aleena teased Aayat about her messy hair after college.
Rashid Malik walked in with a broad smile.
"Aaj sab itne khush kyun lag rahe ho?" he asked, taking his seat.
(Why does everyone look so happy today?)
Shagufta smiled knowingly. "Kyunke humari bachchi jawan ho gayi hai."
(Because our little girl has grown up.)
Nafeesa chuckled. "Haan, Aayat ab chhoti nahi rahi. Ab humein uske liye sochna hoga."
(Yes, Aayat is no longer a child. Now we should start thinking about her future.)
At this, Aayat almost choked on her chai. "Ammi!" she gasped, her cheeks flushing pink. "Aap aise sabke saamne..."
(How can you say something like this in front of everyone?)
Hayaat smirked. "Shaadi ki baat ho rahi hai, Aayat api... blush toh natural hai."
(They’re talking about marriage, Aayat api… blushing is natural.)
Rayyan, who had just entered silently, froze at the doorway. His heart skipped a beat. Shaadi...?
Rashid Malik leaned forward, his tone serious.
"Main ek baat soch raha tha... hamesha se mujhe lagta hai ke hamare ghar ki beti ka rishta hamare ghar ke hi bete se hona chahiye.
Aaj main khule taur pe keh raha hoon-mujhe lagta hai ke Aayat ka nikah Rayyan se hona chahiye.
"
(I was thinking about something... I have always believed that the daughter of our house should marry a son from our own family. Today, I’m saying it openly—I think Aayat should marry Rayyan.)
The room fell silent.
All eyes turned to Rayyan.
He stood still, his jaw clenched, heart racing. For years, he had dreamt of this moment, but when it came, he couldn't find his voice. His eyes instinctively searched for hers.
Aayat's face was a storm of emotions-shock, confusion, and then slowly, a shy nervousness. She lowered her gaze, fingers twisting the corner of her dupatta.
"Beta, tumhari kya rai hai?" Rashid asked Rayyan directly.
(Son, what is your opinion?)
Rayyan's throat tightened. He looked at his uncle, then at his parents, and finally at Aayat. The girl who was his every prayer sat before him, cheeks flushed, unable to look at him.
"Ji..." His voice was steady, but his heart thundered. "Meri rai wohi hai jo Abu ki hai."
(Yes, my opinion is the same as abu's.)
" Mujhay toh hamesha say apni aayat beta pasand hain." Shahbaaz malik ( rayyan k abu ) said.
( I have always been fond of my Aayat beta.)
Aayat's head snapped up, her eyes meeting his for a fleeting second before she looked away again, heat rushing to her face.
Shagufta clasped her hands. "Toh phir tay ho gaya. Humein apni beti ke liye Rayyan se behtar rishta mil hi nahi sakta."
(Then it’s decided. We could never find a better match for our daughter than Rayyan.)
~
That night, alone in his room, Rayyan prayed longer than usual.
"Ya Allah... jo maine saalon se manga, aaj tu ne de diya.
Lekin mujhe is mohabbat mein imtihan se bacha.
.. uski hifazat karna."
(Oh Allah... what I have prayed for all these years, You have granted me today.
But protect me from trials in this love. .. and keep her safe.)
For the first time in years, a small smile touched his lips as he imagined her-his Aayat-soon to be his wife.
But little did he know... destiny had written a storm in their story, a storm that would test the very foundation of his love and trust.
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