Saaniya felt the tiny shield around her heart shatter, but she quickly pulled herself together. She smiled, laughed with him, and masked the tremor inside. Daniyal, sitting across from her at the office table, noticed the change.
"So… what do we do now?" Saaniya asked, teasingly tilting her head.
Daniyal blushed, his usual confident self faltering just slightly. "What do we do? Now you're my girlfriend, and I'm your boyfriend," he said, half-laughing, half-serious.
Saaniya raised an eyebrow, smirking. "That's… easy."
"Are you going to propose to me now?" Daniyal asked, his voice carrying that mix of playful charm and real curiosity.
"Yes… on my knee," Saaniya replied with mock solemnity.
And just like that, Daniyal's confidence soared. The casual attention Shehla had once drawn—attention that had mistakenly drifted toward her—shifted completely. Daniyal's gaze was now fully anchored on Saaniya. Shehla noticed, and the brief flutter of pride she had once felt quickly turned to unease. Little did she know that by stepping back, she had unknowingly hurt Saaniya, who had silently borne the brunt of being overlooked.
Lunch hour came, and the group gathered around the table. Daniyal moved swiftly to sit beside Saaniya.
"Only I sit with my girlfriend," he declared, a playful possessiveness in his tone.
Saaniya blinked, feigning surprise. "In your dreams," she said lightly, standing to sit next to Babar instead.
Babar chuckled, "What is with you two?"
"Some people are living their dream," Saaniya replied casually.
Daniyal's lips curved into a smile, but his attention remained glued to her, occasionally meeting her gaze. They joked, teased, and navigated the entire lunch hour as though they were an official couple, much to the quiet amusement of Sabuhi, Shanaya, and even Shehla from a distance.
Sabuhi, always quick to sense playful mischief, joined in seamlessly. She whispered teasing comments to Daniyal, nudged him toward Saaniya, and subtly egged him on whenever he seemed hesitant. "You're too slow with your reaction, Daniyal," she teased. "Saaniya clearly has you wrapped around her little finger."
Daniyal shook his head, laughing. "I don't even know what's happening half the time. She keeps me guessing."
"That's the point," Saaniya said with a sly smile, nudging him gently.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with shared jokes, whispered comments, and playful banter. Sabuhi continued to play along, occasionally teasing both Daniyal and Saaniya in ways that made everyone laugh, strengthening the bond between them without anyone outside realizing the subtle guidance happening behind the scenes.
By late afternoon, the shift was nearing its end. The girls gathered their things near the elevator, chatting lightly. Daniyal stepped out for a quick smoke break, leaning against the wall nearby.
"Go straight home," he snapped, eyes locking on Saaniya. "Don't wander around here."
"You're my boyfriend," Saaniya shot back, "Don't try to be my daddy!"
The girls burst into laughter, and Daniyal joined in. Shehla smiled on the surface, but her heart sank. Every ounce of attention she had hoped to receive had inadvertently gone to Saaniya, and now it was painfully clear: In his heart, Daniyal wanted Saaniya to be the girl.
As Saaniya stepped into the elevator and disappeared, Daniyal's smile froze. His phone buzzed violently in his pocket. Komal. Fifty-one unread messages. Reality hit him immediately.
He answered quickly. "Hello, my love."
Calm and composed, Komal's voice came through. "Fifty-one messages, none read or replied, and you're calling me your love?"
Daniyal swallowed nervously. "I'm so sorry… morning shifts are hectic."
"Are we all set for Saturday?" Komal asked.
"Counting every passing moment," Daniyal replied.
"Aww! Can't wait to see you."
"Neither can I… can't wait to hold your hands," Daniyal murmured.
"Don't be naughty," Komal warned lightly.
Meanwhile, Shehla silently slipped out, heading straight for her car without a word. Sabuhi waved goodbye, walking toward her husband waiting outside. Usman, observing from a distance during his evening shift, noticed Sabuhi's husband and a pang of something unspoken pierced his heart. Shanaya and Saaniya caught the glance, but Usman didn't notice them watching.
Saaniya, sensing the tension, punched Usman lightly on the shoulder. "Partner!" she said.
"Partner!" he echoed, smirking.
Shanaya added, laughing, "We saw you glaring."
Usman just smiled and went quiet. Saaniya sensed something stirring within him but didn't press further.
As they walked toward the parking lot, Shanaya nudged Saaniya, whispering, "Shehla looks upset."
Saaniya snapped, her voice sharp, "I'm upset too! If you didn't have the guts to confess your love, then don't put others in an awkward situation. I saved her. Should I go tell Daniyal who the girl was and clean up this mess? Why did you and Sabuhi take my name? Why was my name even used?"
Shanaya blinked, realizing Saaniya's frustration.
"I don't like him, okay? And now he thinks highly of himself for no reason. Seriously? Saaniya Sikandar? Confessing my love to a random guy? And Shehla should be thankful, not giving me this attitude! Should I go and tell him?" Saaniya continued, taking deep breaths to keep herself composed.
Shanaya gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, Saaniya. Let's think about this."
Saaniya exhaled sharply, her anger slowly dissolving.
Saaniya: Sorry! I know you didn't do it. But I didn't want it either. I feel for Shehla, but she needs to admit it if she has feelings for him.
Shanaya: Hmmm. Have we messed up?
Saaniya: No man! I will end this. He has someone. I am about to get married. I will fix it. Don't worry!
The girls left saying bye to each other.
At home, Aaron and their father waited. Saaniya hugged her father tightly. "How are you?" she asked.
He kissed her forehead gently. "What happened with Aaron?"
Saaniya reassured him, "It's been taken care of. No need to worry."
From the kitchen, her mother called out, "Saaniya! Stop making them fearless like you. Sometimes a little fear keeps you safe."
Saaniya and her father exchanged a knowing smile. Life's chaos and complicated hearts could wait for a moment. For now, family was the grounding force.