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Episode 1: The Unexpected Proposal
Areeba was a girl who loved life unapologetically. She believed in enjoying every moment, dressing up for no reason, and capturing selfies just because she felt like it. Living in the UAE, she had built a life filled with independence, laughter, and dreams. Whether it was her job, her studies, or simply hanging out with friends at fancy cafés, she embraced every bit of it with enthusiasm.
“Life is too short to be boring!” she would often say, flipping her perfectly styled hair while posing for an Instagram story. Her friends adored her for her confidence, her cousins envied her energy, and her parents? Well, they had long given up on taming her wild, bubbly nature.
But this year, something different was on the horizon. A family wedding in Pakistan! Her cousin’s marriage was the perfect excuse to take a break from work, dress up in colorful desi outfits, and enjoy all the wedding festivities to the fullest. Areeba packed her bags with excitement, ready to make the most of this trip.
As soon as she landed in Pakistan, the warm hugs of her relatives and the chaotic wedding preparations filled her heart with joy. She had missed this—this loud, cheerful family atmosphere where everyone talked at the same time, where the aroma of freshly cooked biryani filled the house, and where laughter never seemed to stop.
“Finally, the diva has arrived!” her cousin Sana teased as Areeba stepped into the house.
Areeba flipped her hair dramatically. “Yes, yes, the star is here. Now, where’s my welcome party?”
Laughter erupted, and just like that, she was in her element. The wedding functions began, and Areeba made sure to be at the center of it all—dancing at the mehndi, helping with the bride’s outfit, and making sure every moment was picture-perfect.
But while Areeba was busy living in the moment, someone else was watching her closely—Rayyan.
Rayyan had known Areeba all his life. They were cousins, they had grown up together, and he had never thought about her beyond that. But tonight, as he saw her dressed in a stunning green outfit, laughing with her friends, something shifted inside him. He had never noticed how effortlessly beautiful she was, how her presence lit up the entire room.
His heart did an unfamiliar flip.
Faizan, his younger brother, nudged him. “Bhai, you okay? You look… lost.”
Rayyan cleared his throat. “I’m fine.”
Faizan followed his gaze and smirked. “Oh. So, you’re looking at Areeba?”
Rayyan shot him a glare. “Shut up.”
Faizan chuckled. “Relax. But, bhai, you do know she’s just here to enjoy the wedding, right? She’s not thinking about anything else.”
Rayyan exhaled, feeling a strange ache in his chest. “I know.”
But that night, as he lay in bed, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Her laughter, her carefree nature—it all made him realize something. He didn’t want her to just be his cousin anymore. He wanted her in his life, permanently.
The very next morning, Rayyan made a decision.
“Ammi,” he said, walking into his mother’s room, his voice steady, “I want to send a proposal for Areeba.”
His mother, Nazia, looked up in surprise. “Proposal? For Areeba?”
Rayyan nodded. “Yes. I want to marry her.”
For a moment, Nazia was silent. Then she smiled knowingly. “Oh, so that’s why you’ve been staring at her all evening.”
Rayyan sighed. “Ammi, please. I’m serious.”
Nazia studied his face and then nodded. “If this is truly what you want, I’ll talk to your father.”
The next morning, while Areeba was still in bed, her mother, Farah, walked in, looking amused.
“Areeba, wake up. We need to talk.”
Areeba groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. “Ammi, let me sleep. Last night was exhausting.”
Farah sat beside her, her voice teasing. “Rayyan’s family came with a proposal.”
Areeba’s eyes shot open. “WHAT?!”
Farah smiled. “Yes. They want you to marry Rayyan.”
Areeba sat up, completely taken aback. “Rayyan? But… why? I mean, we’re cousins, we’re friends, but—”
Farah placed a hand on her daughter’s. “Think about it, beta. Rayyan is a good man. And his family loves you.”
Areeba took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. She had never thought about marriage this soon, but deep down, she always trusted her parents’ decisions. She had given them the right to choose her life partner, and she knew they would always think of what’s best for her.
She looked at her mother and, after a moment of silence, gave a small nod. “If you and Abbu think this is the right decision for me… then I say yes.”
Farah smiled warmly, hugging her daughter. “You won’t regret it, Areeba. InshaAllah, this will be the best decision of your life.”
Little did Areeba know, this decision would change everything.
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