??Fahmid Bilal, a graduated military cadet; who dedicated all his love for one person and was devoted to them, since childhood.???
??Afreen Hadid, a first year radiology and imaging student; who also had immense love and respect for one person but...
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Bruised, But Unbroken
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From the very next day, the Hadid Villa was swept into a whirlwind of preparations. Wedding bells were not just ringing-they were thundering. Arrangements needed to be made, and they were endless: catering menus to finalize, decoration themes to decide, dress fittings, jewelry deliveries, venue coordination, altar setups, guest lists, and managing the countless workers moving in and out like clockwork.
And right at the center of it all stood Fahmid, shouldering most of the weight without a single complaint. Yes, others were there to help, but it was Fahmid's name everyone called out whenever a decision had to be made or a problem cropped up. The responsibility had practically tattooed itself on his skin.
Rashid, ever the loyal companion and brother by bond, had flown in to help. He stuck by Fahmid's side like his shadow, making sure he did not burn himself out.
At one point, the two were standing near the stage, instructing the decorators. "More marigolds near the entrance arch, and hang the white orchids above the altar-not beside it." Fahmid directed with a calm authority, despite the chaos buzzing around.
Rashid nudged him. "You've become quite the wedding planner, huh?" Trying to lighten up his mood.
Fahmid chuckled lightly. "Only because I have no choice."
Just then, a burst of laughter rang through the air-soft, melodic, and familiar.
Both men turned to see Ayaan and Afreen entering the decorated garden. They were lost in their own little bubble, giggling about something Ayaan had said, nudging each other playfully.
Fahmid's eyes instinctively found Afreen. And hers found his. Time paused. For a moment that felt like an eternity, their eyes locked-unsaid words and unresolved emotions swelling in the silence between them. But just as quickly, Afreen looked away, a guarded smile on her lips as Ayaan tugged at her sleeve, pulling her to another corner of the venue.
The moment shattered. Rashid watched it all unfold, his jaw tightening. His patience had run dry. He turned sharply toward Fahmid, his voice low but biting. "You've got no self-respect left, do you?"
