Match Not Made in Heaven

Episode 1

Scene 1: The Drama Begins at Zoya’s House

A narrow street in Karachi. Small houses stand side by side, their balconies filled with clothes drying in the sun. Children play cricket outside, occasionally hitting someone’s window and running away. It’s noisy, busy, and full of life.

In the middle of this everyday chaos stands Zoya’s house—a two-storey building with green paint that has started to fade but still proudly says: “People live here who fight loud, laugh louder, and love the loudest.”

The smell of pakoras fills the air, ceiling fans hum loudly in the background. This is the house of Zoya, a bold, witty girl who has already rejected five rishtas this year.

Inside, there’s full-on preparation.

Zoya’s Ammi, Mrs. Shakeela, is shouting orders like a general in war.

Ammi (shouting):
“Sana, clean the table again! No, not like that—use the lemon-scented polish!
“Wipe the mirror! Hide the remote! Put the fancy tissue box out! They’re coming in 30 minutes!”

Zoya! Where’s your dupatta? Cover your head, beta. Don’t sit like a tomboy!”

Zoya, 25, pretty but not the “perfect rishta girl” type, is lying on the sofa in a casual t-shirt and jeans, munching on chips.

Zoya:
“Ammi, seriously? Another rishta? Let me guess… works in an office, doesn’t smoke, and drinks green tea?”

Ammi:
“Yes! How do you know? His mother said he’s mature and well-settled. Beta, please behave today.”

Zoya sighs and sits down on the sofa, looking like she’d rather be anywhere else.

Zoya (bored):
“Ammi, they’re coming to see me, not interview me for a job in NASA. Why so much stress?”

Ammi:
“Because this boy is from a good family! He works in a big company, wears shalwar kameez, and has no bad habits. Not like that last boy with long hair and a guitar!”

Zoya (muttering):
“At least that one could sing. This one probably sings Excel sheets.”

Scene 2: The Rishta Family Arrives

The doorbell rings (well, the maid yells “Darwaza!” because the bell doesn’t work).

Enter Daniyal, his Ammi, and his younger sister. Daniyal is dressed in a crisp white kurta, polite, confident — until he sees Zoya walking in with the tea tray.

Daniyal (in his head):
“Oh no… not her.”

Zoya (in her head):
“Are you kidding me? This guy again?”

Both recognize each other from the chaotic fight over a parking spot outside Al-Fateh Supermarket last week.

Flashback:
Zoya honking furiously: “Move your car!”
Daniyal shouting: “This is not your private road!”
Zoya: “Stop acting like a traffic warden!”
Daniyal: “You’re driving like it’s Fast & Furious!”

Back to the lounge — they both try to stay calm and act normal. Parents are smiling, praising each other’s children.

Daniyal’s Ammi:
“MashAllah, your daughter has such a bright face.”

Zoya’s Ammi:
“And your son seems so polite!”

They’re both wrong — and they’re about to find out.

Scene 3: The Balcony Chat – From Calm to Chaos

The parents send them to the balcony for “private conversation.”

Zoya (smiling awkwardly):
“So… small world, right?”

Daniyal (chuckling):
“Yeah. Never thought I’d meet ‘Miss Honking Queen’ at a rishta meeting.”

Zoya (grinning):
“And I didn’t expect to serve tea to ‘Mr. Traffic Rules.’”

They both laugh lightly. For a moment, things feel surprisingly normal.

Daniyal:
“That day… you were really angry.”

Zoya:
“Only because you blocked the exit and acted like you owned the street.”

Daniyal:
“Well, you were yelling like it was a protest. People were staring!”

Zoya (raising an eyebrow):
“Because you wouldn’t move! I was late for work!”

Daniyal:
“You could’ve waited instead of creating a scene in public.”

Zoya:
“Excuse me? You’re blaming me? You shouted first!”

Daniyal:
“Because you acted like a spoiled brat who couldn’t reverse!”

Zoya (getting heated):
“Spoiled? Seriously? You were acting like some parking king!”

Daniyal (angry):
“And you were driving like you owned Karachi!”

Suddenly, the light breeze turns into tension.

Both go silent, breathing heavily, glaring.

Zoya (firmly):
“Let’s just be honest. We’re clearly not a match.”

Daniyal:
“Completely agree. This whole thing is a mistake.”

Scene 4: Parents Living in La La Land

Back in the lounge, both return with straight faces.

Zoya’s Ammi:
“So? How was the chat?”

Daniyal (fake smile):
“Very… interesting.”

Zoya:
“Yes, we had an honest conversation.”

Daniyal’s Ammi:
“MashAllah! That’s what we like — open-minded kids!”

The parents start talking about wedding menus, mehndi ideas, and guest lists — while Zoya and Daniyal sit silently, fuming inside.

Zoya (whispering):
“We need to stop this.”

Daniyal (whispering):
“Soon. Before they print wedding cards.”

They both force a smile for the rest of the evening — but deep inside, they’re ready to declare war.

To be continued…