nine

Farhan sheikh never knew what heartbreak would feel like until his best friend decided to break his heart. He still remembered that day, how excited he was; coming back to India after eight damn months and was so eager to meet her; the love of his life. Sadly he couldn't meet her on the first day as he came to know that she has been living in some village for the past few months. He was furious to say the least.

Even though he was very tired, he still drove straight to that village without any second thoughts. He didn't forget to take that ring with him. The very same ring with which he was going to propose her. He was so excited and had imagined a lot of things and also wondered how'd she react when he'd slip the ring on her finger.

What he didn't expect was getting punched by her husband instead.

His heart almost stopped beating for a moment as he watched Haya get into her husband's car and they just left without giving him a damn explanation. He could still recollect those awful moments; how numb he was...

He has been heart broken ever since. He didn't even remember how he got himself to drive back home after hearing the horrifying news of Haya being married.

Maybe he was too late. He should have grown some balls earlier and proposed her when they were still together. He shouldn't have left to Florida and not keep in touch. It was all his mistakes, entirely his... He kept blaming himself till date. It has been months now.

Even after everything; he masked his emotions and kept in touch with her, he helped her escape his devil father's clutches which costed him a lot. He was kicked out of his company because he started it with his father's money. He was even kicked out his house, reason; he helped her escape from the kidnapping of his father. He didn't regret it one bit. As long as she was happy, it was enough for him.

Funny thing was, Haya is now his business partner. He had only himself to be blamed for that, it was him who proposed that idea and she had accepted it skeptically. But he was happy that she has agreed at least. He did that only for three reason, one; he would get to talk with her whenever he could, two; he could see her at least once in a while, three; Haya's talent didn't deserve to go in vain just because she was married.

He still loved her even after knowing she was now someone else's wife. He couldn't stop his heart from unloving her. The heart is a stupid thing, it never listens to us.

Farhan knew that he didn't stand a chance with her, not anymore. After seeing the way she and her husband were gazing at each other it was so clear that they were so in love. What broke his heart more was the news that she's now pregnant.

Even after all of this, he still acted like he's over everything and he was fine. When in real he was not.

His mother, Ameera who was worried about her son got a proposal for him. She felt helpless the day when her husband has mercilessly kicked his own son out of their home. And she was worried sick ever since.

Ameera thought that Farhan needed someone; who'd take care of him and love him in her absence. And so, she started searching for a bride.

"Ammi, I'm not ready for marriage." Farhan said for the hundredth time. Ameera shook her head adamantly.

"I'm worried about you Farhan, I've been worried about you ever since your father kicked you out. You can't live alone your whole life. You need someone to be on your side to support you and to feed you." he rolled his eyes at her reply.

"I'm not a baby, ammi. I will survive. Please leave me alone." he whined irritatingly and ran his fingers through his hair.

"I can see how you're surviving... Look at this place. When did you last wash your clothes?" Ameera shot him a glare. Farhan had no answer to that.

"At least ask me who the girl is?" she had a knowing smile on her face as she watched her son's quizzical face.

"You know this girl." Farhan was even more curious now.

"See for yourself." Ameera placed the photo on his hands and his eyes widened in shock. Was this some kind of sick prank? He thought with horrification.

"NO. I'm not marrying Natasha." Farahan was not ready to marry anyone and Natasha was a big no-no for him.

"I'm done with you. I'm not taking no for an answer, get ready for your engagement. Tomorrow evening sharp four p.m. I'll be here to pick you up and we are going to her house." Ameera announced sternly and left his apartment before he could say anything further.

He knew how stubborn his mother can be and she never sits quietly until she does what wanted to do. This only meant one thing; he was getting engaged tomorrow. And that too with Natasha Rehman of all people.

Farhan sat there helplessly. Why is God so cruel to him? He hoped that Natasha would at least say no to this marriage, after all she knew about his love for Haya. He really hoped that she would say no. He prayed that she did. He tried calling her but she didn't pick up. He kind of expected that after ignoring her for so many months.

But he also didn't lose hope. He was confident that she'd say no to this proposal.

He kept on hoping that until the moment came where she walked downstairs dressed up in a beautiful anarkali. She still didn't look up at him. He was confused... Why was she not saying no yet? He thought. If it continues they'd be freaking engaged and that was the last thing he wanted.

"Here." Ameera smiled happily as she placed the beautiful diamond ring on his palm. He froze. The memories of him slipping the same type of ring on Haya's fingers came back to his mind. His mother gave him a small nudge bringing him out of his thoughts.

He reluctantly held Natasha's hand and felt her stiffen. He emotionlessly slipped the ring on her finger and was met with her shocking face. She had confusion written all over her face. Only then he realized that she didn't know it was him with whom she'd be married. Shit!

Farhan couldn't look in her eyes as she slipped the ring on his fingers, numbly. Loud cheers were heard. They were freaking engaged now. He couldn't believe himself. It has to be some sick joke. But only it wasn't.