Chapter 1: The First Encounter

•IRHA'S POV•

The thought of how fast we really grew up hits hard whenever Night Changes plays. It's like a punch in the gut.

I swear, it still feels like I just landed in London for the first time. But it's been almost three years since I left home, officially for my studies, but honestly? That was just a cover. What I really wanted was freedom. To get away from the tight grip of my household.

Dad? He thought of it as getting rid of a problem. Yeah, I was the problem.

Tonight's my cousin Feeha's musical ceremony. Two days from now is her Nikkah - the first wedding in our generation. You'd think I'd be excited.

But Feeha and I? We're not exactly on good terms.

Once upon a time, we were inseparable. We had our secrets, our cushion castle games, and those silly little traditions only kids could invent. But then, adolescence happened. And with it came the harsh truth, the bonds we thought were unbreakable? They were hanging by threads. The reality of our family dynamics.

Even though I had two full weeks of break before the wedding, I postponed my arrival until today. I just couldn't bring myself to face it. To face them.

Of course, I'm still that desi girl who lives for a good party. But no party can fix what's broken between me and Feeha. She's the golden child, the obedient daughter who listens no matter what. And me? I'm the chaos. The mistake. The one who questions everything.

And questioning everything means you don't always get invited back.

The voices from the past still haunt me. Sometimes they're louder than the music in my ears.

Just then, I felt two soft arms wrap around me. A warm, familiar hug from behind.

I rolled my eyes. "Girl, are you trying to choke me?"

Inaya, my youngest cousin giggled. Then she pouted dramatically as she squeezed tighter and then let go.

She knew. She always knew, I hated physical touch.

I pulled out my AirPods and finally giving her my attention.

"Three years, and you only came back once!" she complained like the little kid she still was, in her heart.

"But now that I'm here, we're gonna make up for it" I promised with a grin. "Fun like there's no tomorrow."

We laughed. Jumped. Let go. Just for a moment.

Guilt? Yeah, it's been there. Lurking. I'd tell myself maybe... just maybe, someone like Inaya or even Kabir still wanted me around. But the feeling never stayed long.

And Kabir?

No way he remembered me.

Cue dramatic entrance. The door creaked open and there he was. Kabir Ahmed, looking like he owned the place. Still the same. The self praising monkey.

Honestly, after how he ignored me downstairs acting like I was invisible, I expected another cold shoulder.

"Inaya, tell her to apologize" he said, arms crossed with a straight face.

"She has ears. She heard you" Inaya snapped back.

Typical siblings. Chaotic energy never left them.

"There's no need for a middleman" I said, getting to my feet. "Apologize" he said again, like it was some royal decree.

I blinked. What the hell?

For what?

This man's audacity.

"Do you even remember the last time we met despite staying the same city?" He added, frustrated and offended.

I smiled sheepishly. I didn't wanted to ignore him, never but due to exams and semesters, I just couldn't hang out with him for probably, eight months.

I sighed. I know that's long but he could have come over to my place, couldn't he? Before I could reply him, he continued his tantrums.

"At least remember our deal from last month?" he added.

Oh. That.

"You are 20 days late" he said, dropping onto the bed like he'd just won something.

Just desi wedding thing. No matter where we were, if it's a family wedding, we have to arrive early. And this was the first ever wedding among our cousins. So of course.

But was I ever considered as one? Never mind.

"Two days early for the Nikkah, dude" I shot back.

"Idiot. You promised you would come right after us. We got here 20 days ago."

Wow. So he did remember.

"Well... technically, I did arrive after you all."

That earned me a pillow to the face.

I threw it back at him which he dodged with ease.

"I have a sister" he smirked proudly, but didn't expect Inaya's next move.

She splashed water on him and thus began the war. The chaos escalated. Pillows flew. Water splashed. Kabir looked like he was ready to scream.

"Are you both insane!?" He yelled, eyes wide with disbelief and horror.

"Want a second round?" I teased, already sprinting out the door with him on my heels. I only escaped because Aunt Zamia called him away for some chore for the musical ceremony, tonight. She's such a sweetheart, just like she always was. Bless her soul. Forever.

Later that night: The Musical Ceremony

I sprayed on perfume, finally ready. Since my epic escape from Kabir, I hadn't left my room. Inaya had kept me company, and instead of finish watching the rest of my series, we ended up rehearsing for our performance which I never knew she had planned of.

"Let's go!" she twirled, full of excitement.

The event was on the mansion's lawn. Close family only but I still spotted unfamiliar faces. Probably Feeha's in-laws.

Everyone was trying to behave until two couples in their fifties lit up the dance floor with the most wholesome performance ever.

This. This is what growing old together should look like.

They couldn't be from our side. Definitely not. Our elders don't really join in like that. Not since we were kids.

Then came solo performances, boys' dances, and our moment. Inaya and I nailed it. Smooth, graceful, like we hadn't just been at war with Kabir few hours ago.

My eyes darted around, making sure he wouldn't appear from nowhere and seek revenge.

And of course, he had to crash the stage, stealing the limelight — not like I blame him for it. He has always been the one in limelight, the popular one. Youngsters poured in behind him, the real party finally beginning now that the elders had retreated indoors.

Even Feeha joined in. That was strange because she usually doesn't take part in stuffs like this. Good for her. But her fiancé? Ugh. The guy looked like he was forced to attend his own wedding. No smiles. No effort. Just a snob in a sherwani. I lost track of him quickly.

Then it happened.

"Run, Irha" I warned myself.

I saw Kabir coming, a jug of water in his hand. I darted, but in my panic, I tripped. Braced myself for the fall.

Please no mud, no broken bones. The wedding's just two days away and I can't walk around with bandages. That won't go well with my outfits.

But I didn't hit the ground.

Two hazel brown eyes stared back at me, as I opened my eyes, blinking. And I realized I was in someone's arms. His arms.

I stood quickly, mortified. "Than...k you" I stuttered.

He just nodded.

"You should enjoy your own wedding. You know, it doesn't happen twice" I muttered, awkwardly trying to ease the tension around with a sly smile.

No response.

"You didn't look like you were having fun tonight so..."

Still nothing. If anything, he looked like he wanted to disappear.

"They're calling us for dinner" I said quickly, spotting Inaya heading toward us. She never leaves the dance floor unless it's serious or food.

And I don't think there would be anything serious to worry at this moment, because our family don't like prying eyes that would question the so called reputation.

As we walked away, I filled her in. She had a million questions and commentaries, obviously.

After dinner, Feeha's in-laws left after exchanging smiles and good wishes. Everyone were already tired. And tomorrow was a big day. Haldi and Mehendi together.

"We better sleep" Inaya yawned.

"Nah, let's finish that series first."

Thankfully it didn't take much convincing.

We changed into pajamas, got comfy, binge watched the finale, did skincare, spilled tea from our lives, and eventually passed out.

Tomorrow's a new day.

And something tells me... it won't be quiet.

How was the chapter? Forgive me if I couldn't reach your expectations but as the story continues, I am sure you will enjoy it.

Did you relate anything with our Irha? How was their first meet? What do you think of the Shahs?