❥Sobia❥

***

The grand hall buzzed with lively chatter, a symphony of voices blending with the soft clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter. The space was adorned with elegant crystal chandeliers that cast a golden glow over the polished marble floors, while the walls were lined with intricate floral arrangements and shimmering drapes. Guests, dressed in their finest attire, moved about with practiced grace. Women in dazzling gowns sparkled under the warm lights, while men in tailored suits exuded sophistication.

Some guests clustered in animated conversation, their voices carrying snippets of business deals, compliments, and social niceties. Others strolled leisurely, taking in the opulent surroundings, their gazes sweeping over every meticulously curated detail. A few stood to the side, their eyes wide with awe as they absorbed the grandeur of Shahzain's newly established firm—a testament to his vision and hard work.

In the center of it all stood Shahzain, effortlessly commanding attention despite being in his early forties. His black suit was flawless, tailored to perfection, each stitch and seam a testament to the care he took in his appearance. The crisp lines of his jacket accentuated his broad shoulders, while the subtle sheen of the fabric added a touch of sophistication.

His sharp features—strong jawline, high cheekbones, and piercing eyes—exuded an air of quiet authority. His calm, composed demeanor only amplified the magnetic presence he carried, making those around him pause, if only for a moment, to take notice.

Every move he made seemed deliberate, every gesture thoughtful. He wasn’t just a man in the crowd; he was the man everyone’s eyes were drawn to, the one who made an impression without even trying.

By his side stood his business partner, Isha Roy, a woman in her early thirties, a picture of confidence and allure. She was draped in a seductive pink and cream saree that clung to her curves, the delicate fabric shimmering under the soft lighting. The saree's low-cut blouse showcased her bare back and slim waist, drawing the attention of every pair of eyes in the room. Her dusky skin glowed with the touch of highlighter, enhancing her sharp cheekbones.

Her hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded effortlessly over her shoulders, framing her perfectly contoured face. Heavy base makeup covered her skin flawlessly, while bold eyeliner and mascara accentuated her almond-shaped eyes. Her lips, painted a deep crimson, curved into a knowing smile as she exchanged pleasantries with the guests. She carried herself with poise, exuding an air of authority that balanced the sensuality of her appearance.

"You must be so proud of Shahzain," A woman’s voice cut through my drifting thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I turned to see her standing beside me, a socialite with an air of practiced charm. She was flanked by a few others—wives of influential men, some of whom I considered acquaintances, if not friends.

Even in my late thirties, I still looked much younger than my age. I was dressed in a blue and maroon designer Pakistani suit that added a graceful yet confident flair to my appearance. The intricate embroidery on the fabric shimmered subtly under the lights, complementing the elegant cut of the outfit. My hair was neatly tied in a French braid, with a few strands softly tucked behind my ears, adding to my polished look. My makeup was minimal yet flawless, emphasizing my natural features. A soft, glossy pink lipstick added a delicate touch, while my long American diamond earrings and matching necklace caught the light, adding just the right amount of sparkle.

As I roamed my gaze around, I couldn't help but notice the subtle glances from several women, their eyes following me with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. I could practically hear their thoughts—wishing to be in my shoes. Running my own Chartered Accountant firm, but with the added bonus of being married to Shahzain—well, that was like the cherry on top.

I could almost feel the envy in the air, but I wasn’t bothered by it. In fact, it felt like a testament to all I had worked for—both in my career and in my personal life. Yes, I had it all. And I was determined to enjoy every moment of it.

"Yes, I am," I replied with a polite smile, though my heart felt heavy.

"You’re so lucky, Sobia, to have Shahzain as your husband," Another chimed in, her voice laced with envy and admiration.

I forced my lips to curve upward, the words echoing in my ears as I turned my gaze toward him. Shahzain stood across the room, deep in conversation with his clients. Beside him was Isha, who, as always, seemed perfectly poised and engaging.

As if sensing my gaze, Shahzain’s head turned in my direction. For a fleeting moment, our eyes met. My heart quickened, hopeful for the warmth I once knew so well. But instead of offering me a smile, he gave a curt nod—distant and impersonal.

The gesture stung more than I wanted to admit. My heart clenched painfully, the bitterness of his indifference washing over me.

Before I could look away, his attention shifted back to Isha. And this time, the smile he offered was the one I had once cherished. The one that had been mine—only mine.

My chest tightened as I watched him, that smile now reserved for someone else. For her.

"You must feel so secure with a man like him," Another woman added, oblivious to the turmoil brewing inside me.

Secure? The word felt like a cruel joke. I swallowed the lump in my throat and masked my pain with a serene expression. "Yes, of course," I murmured, barely recognizing my own voice.

The women continued their chatter, but I barely heard them. My gaze drifted back to Shahzain and Isha. They looked so at ease, so comfortable in each other’s presence, that it made me feel like an outsider in my own marriage.

I clenched the glass of juice in my hand, forcing myself to look away. I wouldn’t let them see the cracks in my composure, not here, not now.

“Excuse me for a moment,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. Without waiting for a response, I stepped away from the group and made my way toward the balcony, desperate for fresh air.

The cool night breeze hit my face as I stepped outside, but it did little to soothe the ache in my chest. Leaning against the railing, I gazed out into the dark expanse, my thoughts a whirlwind of hurt and confusion.

How had we ended up here? When had the man who once looked at me like I was his entire world begun to drift away?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. I turned slightly, startled to see Shahzain standing in the doorway. His expression was unreadable as he approached me.

“Why are you out here?” he asked, his tone casual, almost indifferent.

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. "I needed some air," I said softly, turning my gaze back to the night sky.

For a moment, silence hung between us, heavy and suffocating. Then, his voice broke it.

“Is everything okay?” he asked, his tone holding a hint of concern, but it felt distant, like an obligatory question rather than a genuine one.

I turned to face him, searching his eyes for something—anything—that would reassure me. But all I saw was the man he had become, a stranger wearing the face of the husband I once knew.

“Everything’s fine,” I replied, forcing a smile. "You should get back to your guests."

He hesitated, as if about to say something, but then nodded. “If you need anything, let me know.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me alone on the balcony, my heart heavier than ever. The breeze that once felt refreshing now felt cold, wrapping around me like a reminder of the growing distance between us.

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With a polite smile for everyone who glanced my way, I stepped inside the hall, letting the hum of conversations and faint clinking of glasses wash over me. My eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on my group of friends standing near a corner.

As I approached, the tension in the air was palpable. Their expressions were grave, and the usual lighthearted banter was notably absent.

"What’s wrong?" I asked, my voice filled with concern as I noticed the unease etched on their faces.

Falaq, usually the first to crack a joke or lighten the mood, looked unusually solemn. She hesitated for a moment, then finally said, "Reem and Wajih aren’t together anymore… they’ve divorced."

The words hung in the air, heavy and shocking.

It took me a few moments to fully register what she had just said. Divorce? Reem and Wajih? The couple who seemed inseparable, whose love was practically the stuff of fairy tales? My mind struggled to connect the dots.

“WHAT?!” I whisper-yelled, my disbelief evident. The exclamation drew a few curious glances from nearby guests, but I barely noticed. My heart sank as I tried to process the sudden news.

I glanced at Reem, her face pale and her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She looked like she was on the verge of breaking, and my heart ached to see her like this.

“How did this happen?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, though my frustration was evident. “For God’s sake, you guys had a love marriage!”

“They used to be the couple we all looked up to,” Gauhar added, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Exactly!” I echoed, feeling the sting of betrayal on her behalf.

Reem let out a shaky breath, reaching for a tissue to dab at the lone tear that escaped down her cheek. Her hands trembled slightly as she began to speak, her voice soft but laced with pain. “Wajih became so consumed by his business that we barely spent any time together. Despite living under the same roof, we… we became strangers.”

Her voice cracked, but she kept going, as though releasing the words might lighten the burden she carried. “At first, I didn’t give it much thought. I told myself I was overreacting, that it was just a phase, and things would get better. But they didn’t.”

She paused, her fingers twisting the tissue into a crumpled mess.

“And?” Falaq urged gently, leaning forward as if bracing herself for what was to come.

Reem swallowed hard, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “And we started fighting. All the time. The passion between us was gone, replaced by resentment and silence. And then one night…” She paused again, her eyes glistening as she struggled to find the strength to continue. “One night, I caught him… with someone else. He was getting intimate with one of his business clients.”

The words hit like a thunderclap.

Multiple curses erupted from all of us, the disbelief and anger tangible. I clenched my fists, the idea of Wajih betraying her like that igniting a fire within me.

“That bastard!” I hissed, unable to contain my outrage. “How could he? After everything you two shared?”

Gauhar shook her head, her face a mixture of disgust and pity. “I can’t believe it. He had the audacity to throw away what you had for a fling?”

Reem’s lips trembled as she tried to compose herself. “I confronted him that night. He didn’t even deny it… just said he felt neglected. That I wasn’t giving him enough attention because I was too focused on my work.”

The audacity of his words left me speechless for a moment. “He’s blaming you?” I snapped, my anger bubbling to the surface. “You were working just as hard as him, and he turns this on you?”

Reem gave a bitter laugh, her voice hollow. “It doesn’t matter now. That night, I packed my bags and left. I knew then that there was no salvaging what we had.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of her confession settling over us.

Breaking the stillness, Falaq reached out to hold Reem’s hand. “You’re stronger than you think,” she said softly. “It takes courage to walk away from something that no longer serves you, even if it once meant everything.”

I nodded, my heart swelling with admiration for Reem’s resilience. “You deserve so much better than him, Reem. Someone who values you, respects you, and doesn’t take you for granted.”

Reem gave us a faint smile, though the pain in her eyes lingered. “I just… I don’t know where to go from here. I feel so lost.”

“You’re not alone,” I assured her firmly. “We’re here for you, every step of the way.”

Gauhar added with a small smile, “And if Wajih ever tries to show his face again, we’ll make sure he regrets it.”

Reem let out a soft laugh at that, the first hint of relief breaking through her sadness. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

Just then, a loud chuckle pierced through the air, drawing all our attention. My heart clenched painfully as I turned to see the source. There she was—Isha—standing far too close to him for my liking. Her laughter echoed as she playfully swatted Shahzain’s chest, her fingers lingering just a fraction longer than necessary.

Shahzain said something, his deep voice carrying an ease that made her laugh even harder. Her radiant smile, the way she leaned slightly into him, was enough to stoke a fire in the pit of my stomach.

“If I were you, Sobia,” Reem murmured beside me, her voice laced with quiet warning, “I’d be a little careful. Isha seems… interested in him. And her being his business partner doesn’t exactly help matters.”

“I know,” I replied evenly, though my voice held a steel edge. My gaze remained fixed on the two of them, my mind already formulating a plan. “Looks like it’s time for me to claim what’s mine.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of Falaq’s lips. “That’s the Sobia I know and love,” she said, her tone both teasing and encouraging.

Without waiting for further comment, I squared my shoulders and started walking towards Shahzain and Isha, my friends falling into step behind me. My heels clicked sharply against the floor, each step deliberate, each stride exuding purpose and confidence.

As I approached, I noticed the subtle way Isha’s laughter softened, her eyes darting toward me, her posture tensing ever so slightly. She knew I was watching.

“Babe,” I called out, my voice calm but commanding enough to turn heads.

His gaze shifted to me, and for a brief moment, I saw something flicker in his dark eyes—surprise, or perhaps mischief—at the casual endearment I had used.

But then his expression softened into something familiar, something that still made my heart flutter despite the anger brewing inside me.

“Yes, Biwi” he said, a small smile playing on his lips. “I was just—”

My heart did a somersault as I heard the nickname he had been calling me for the past few years.

“I can see that.” I interrupted smoothly, my eyes darting to Isha for a fleeting second before returning to him. “But I need to borrow My husband for a moment. It’s important.”

Isha opened her mouth, perhaps to protest, but I didn’t give her the chance. Instead, I reached out and gently clasped Shahzain’s arm, my touch firm yet casual, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

He raised a brow, clearly intrigued by my sudden assertiveness. “Alright,” he said, his tone amused. “Lead the way.”

I led him away from Isha, feeling the weight of her gaze burning into my back. My friends exchanged knowing looks behind me, but I ignored them, my focus solely on Shahzain.

When we were a safe distance away, I turned to face him, letting go of his arm but stepping closer than usual. Close enough that he had no choice but to meet my gaze.

“Sobia,” he began, his voice low and cautious. “What’s this about?”

“Isha,” I said bluntly, folding my arms. “I don’t like the way she acts around you.”

His brow furrowed, confusion flickering across his face. “Isha? She’s just a business partner—”

“She’s not just anything,” I cut in, my voice steady but firm. “I see the way she looks at you, Shahzain. And the way she behaves… it’s not professional.”

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair, clearly taken aback by my sudden confrontation. “You’re overthinking it, Sobia. Isha and I—”

“I’m not overthinking anything,” I interjected, stepping even closer. “I’m your wife, Shahzain. And I won’t stand by while someone else tries to blur the lines between professional and personal.”

For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze fixed on me. Then, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. “Are you… jealous?”

I raised a brow, refusing to back down. “This isn’t about jealousy. It’s about respect. For me, for our marriage, and for boundaries.”

His smile widened slightly, and he tilted his head, as though seeing me in a new light. “I didn’t realize this bothered you so much.”

“Well, now you do,” I said firmly. “So, what are you going to do about it?”

Shahzain’s gaze softened, and he took a step closer, closing the already small distance between us. “I’ll talk to Isha,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “But Sobia… you should know that no one—absolutely no one—comes close to what you mean to me.”

His words caught me off guard, and for a moment, I faltered. But I quickly composed myself, nodding curtly. “Then prove it."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but still unsure. “How?”

I turned my attention to Isha, still standing in the same spot, her eyes locked on us. Her body language, along with the curious stares of my friends surrounding her, made it clear that she wasn’t backing down anytime soon. They all watched us intently, waiting for something to happen.

A slow smile curled at the corner of my lips as I turned back to Shahzain, who hadn’t looked away from me for even a second. His expression was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes—a challenge, a spark—that only fueled my confidence.

“Kiss me, Shahzain,” I said, my voice low but firm. “Show everyone who you belong to.”

Before I could finish the sentence, his hands were on me. In one swift motion, Shahzain wrapped his strong arms around my waist, pulling me toward him with surprising force. My breath caught in my throat as I found myself pressed against his chest, the heat of his body radiating through both of us. I barely had time to process it before his lips found mine.

The kiss was nothing short of intense. It wasn’t gentle or tentative—it was commanding, filled with an urgency that left no room for doubt. His lips crashed against mine, as if he were claiming me in front of everyone, making a statement neither of us could ignore.

For a moment, everything else faded away. The noise from my friends, the stares from Isha, and even the thoughts racing through my mind vanished, leaving only the powerful connection between us. Shahzain’s hands gripped me tighter, pulling me even closer, his kiss deepening with every passing second.

I couldn’t help but respond. I tangled my fingers in his hair, matching the intensity of his kiss, and everything around us seemed to blur. It was just him, just us, and the unspoken message that neither of us could deny.

Finally, he pulled away, both of us gasping for air. His gaze was intense, locking onto mine with an almost possessive look. He didn’t need to say anything—the kiss had already spoken volumes.

I stood there for a moment, trying to steady my breath, before I turned slightly, glancing back at our friends. They were all frozen, eyes wide, mouths agape, the shock evident in their expressions. Isha’s face, however, was the most telling. Her lips were pressed tightly together, her fists clenched, and her eyes burned with frustration and jealousy.

But I wasn’t concerned with her.

I turned back to Shahzain, the fire from the kiss still burning within me. “Now they know exactly who you belong to,” I said, my voice steady but filled with satisfaction.

Shahzain smirked, a look of quiet amusement in his eyes. “And you’re not the only one claiming ownership, Sobia,” he replied, his voice low and possessive.

He gently cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin in a way that sent shivers down my spine. “But this... this was for you,” he added softly, before leaning in and pressing a quick, lingering kiss to my forehead.

I stood there, his presence like a steady anchor, and as I looked into his eyes, I knew that this wasn’t just about claiming me in front of others—it was about a deeper connection, one that neither of us could ever ignore.

As I turned to leave, I couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze lingered on me, a mix of admiration and amusement in his eyes. My friends were waiting nearby, their faces lighting up as I rejoined them.

Falaq smirked knowingly. “And that,” she said with a grin, “is how you remind a man exactly what he has.”

***

A/N:-

So, How was the First Chapter??

What do you think will happen in the next chapter? Perhaps some drama, or maybe even more twists!

Could Isha cause a rift between them? Only the upcoming chapters will reveal!