"Where are we going?", I asked him. This was probably the hundredth time I had asked him this in the past 10 minutes.

"It's a surprise.", he answered patiently. How was he so patient even after saying the same thing over and over again.

I grabbed my stomach, as it growled from hunger. I looked at the time in the car. It was 11 thirty.

"I'm hungry.", I mumbled.

Shehryaar gave me a look, before reaching the back seat. H e grabbed a white paper bag and handed it to me.

I eagerly opened the bag as fast as I could and took out a sandwich what was inside it.

Just when I was almost done with the sandwich I realized that Shehryaar wouldn't have eaten as well.

"Want some?", I asked, but my mouth was so full that it sounded like, "Wan tun?"

He shook his head in amusement, "I already ate when you were sleeping."

I shrugged and continued to eat the rest of the sandwich.

When it came to food, I was a hogger. I'd eat almost anything and everything. But thank god I worked out to burn all those calories.

"We're here!", Shehryaar said.

I sighed, and go tout of the car. Looking around, it seemed like a town square. It was kind of humid and warm, and in my mind I was thanking Shehryaar for picking out the summer dress for me. Or else I would have picked out something leather-ish and would've been boiled in this heat.

Shehryaar came and stood next to me.

"I thought you'd like to go some place quieter. Away from all the city noise."

I gave him a toothy grin, and pecked his lips, "You're so sweet, Shehryaar. Thank you."

He smiled back, grabbed my hand and walked through the square.

"It so peaceful here. Not a lot of people, not a lot of noise.", I said observing my surrounding.

"It's a weekday Humera.", he muttered, in an 'Isn't it obvious?" tone. "And I made sure there was no paparazzi here."

I looked at him with my eyes wide. He smiled at me, "You will eventually have to get used to it Humera. They are now a part of your life."

"Is it a bad thing?", I wondered.

He shook his head, "Not necessarily. But it just means that you have to be more careful now."

I took a deep breath, "Yeah. I guess I don't have a choice."

He nodded.

I spoke again, "Maybe it's a good thing that I have you. You will protect me.", I teased, hoping to make the mood a little lighter.

He played along, "Yes. I'll be your king and protect you from everyone else."

I giggled, but before I knew it, my feet swooped off the ground, and I founf myself in his arms.

"Shehryaar!", I squealed as he looked down at me with a smirk.

"I don't want my queen's feet to get dirty.", he winked, making me roll my eyes at him.

"What? You want to become dirty together?", I asked, a wild smirk playing across my lips.

He understood exactly what I meant.

"Humera!", he said, shocked. His jaw looked like it would drop to the floor any second.

I giggled, "Calm down!"

He narrowed my eyes at me, before joining me in with laughter. My cheeks were hurting because how much we were laughing.

"Lets swim.", he suddenly suggested and I raised my eyebrows at him.

"In this dress? Should've asked me to pack a swimsuit."

"We could buy one.", he said.

I dint know what got into me, I quickly jumped out of his arms, and ran to the swim wear store around the corner.

I picked out a swimsuit, tried it on and went ahead to the cashier to pay.

"Found you!", Shehryaar whispered into my ear, snaking his arms around my waist. I turned around, and looked at him.

"Stop it.", I whispered, as heat rushed to my cheeks and sparks flew inside my mind.

He paused for a moment before saying, "Actually lets not go swimming."

I turned around and looked at him ins surprise.

"I don't want anyone to see you in swim wear. ", he admitted, embarrassed.

My heartbeat went up. I loved how he became possessive regarding me, but hated it at the same time. I felt like I didn't have the freedom to do what I wanted.

However, I decided to remain quiet and not argue since our morning had been so good and I didn't want to ruin the mood.

"Okay so what should we do then?", I asked as we walked out of the store empty handed.

"Want to walk around?", he asked, content that I didn't argue with him.

I nodded.

He intertwined his fingers with mine again as we walked out.

As we passed a restaurant, he glanced at me. I understood what he meant. I nodded and we walked into the restaurant and were led by the waiter to a corner table by the window.

"What would you like to have?", he asked us as we seated ourselves down. He handed us the menu and we looked through it.

"One meat lasagna and two cokes please.", he ordered.

Lunch was quiet. We didn't really talk to each other through our meal.

"Shall we head back?", he asked after we were done eating. I agreed and he paid the bill and we walked to the car together.

"I have a surprise for you.", he said.

I looked at him, "So many surprises."

"Lets go."

"Where are we going?", I asked.

"You'll see.", he whispered starting the car.

***** ***** ****** ******

"Wakey Wakey baby.", he said and I lifted my eyelids slowly.

"We're here."

I sat upon my side, fixing my hair and my dress.

"Where are we?", I asked, noticing the unfamiliar surrounding.

"Parking lot.", he said, trying to be funny. "Lets go. The surprise is waiting for you."

I jumped out of the car and followed Shehryaar to the lift. I waited anxiously, tapping my foot as we went up.

The lift came to a halt. "Lets go in. But close your eyes."

I widened my eyes in surprise. "What?"

"Close your eyes.", he said again, emphasizing each word. I closed my eyes and gave my hand to him, trusting him to lead the way.

We walked for a minute before I felt his body against mine, and his lips close to my ear, as his warm breath fell upon my cheeks.

"Surprise!", he whispered.

I slowly opened my eyes.

"Humera!"

Dave was on the bed, with his arms wide open.

I ran upto him, hugging him. "How come you're here?"

He grinned at me, "Shehry brought me here."

I turned and looed at Shehryaar and he seemed pleased with himself.

I noticed an iPad in Dave's hands. "What were you doing?", I asked, pointing at the iPad.

"Playing a game.", he said casually, placing the iPad aside. "Shehry had told me that you were coming."

"Oh..he didn't tell me you were here.", I said frowning.

"That's because I told him not to. I wanted to surprise you."

After a moment of silence Dave spoke, "Guys, can we make something to eat. I'm hungry."

Shehryaar immediately spoke up, "Didn't Ben bring food for you? I had asked him to."

"He did. But he brought pizza. I don't like pizza."

"Okay so what shall we cook?", I interrupted.

"I don't know.", he shrugged.

I turned to Shehryaar, "What do you want?"

"You choose.", he replied.

"Guys!", I spoke, "Decided something."

"Chocolate cake!", Dave yelled out. And Shehryaar yelled out "Strawberry Lemonade!", at almost the same time.

"Lemonade?", I looked at him in surprise.

He dhrugged, "That was the first thing that came to my mind."

I laughed.

We started baking the cake, and I looked at Dave and Shehryaar, mesmerized. It felt like we were a family, enjoying together, laughing together.

I noticed Dave getting tired. Shehryaar noticed it too. He took Dave back into his room, even though Dave didn't want to go back.

Shehryaar returned with a frown on his face.

"What's wrong?", I asked.

"I don't know how will I survive when he's gone.", he spoke softly. My heart cringed at that thought. I walked to him and hugged him.

"Lets not think about that just yet.", I whispered.

Shehryaar looked at me with teary eyes, "Its not that easy."

I nodded, "I know. But you're his strength. Don't lose hope Sheyraar. Miracles exist."

I hugged him as tight as I could, but on the inside I asked myself, "Do miracles really exist?"

The future is scary because you don't want it entails. But even when you know what's about to come, it doesn't make it any easier.

Shehryaar looked at me. "The doctor has given him limited days Humera. I don't really believe in miracles now."

I bit my lower lip. I shouldn't have said that. It was the wrong thing to say, at the wrong time.

"Im sorry Shehryaar. I thought it would make you feel better."

He suddenly snapped at me, "It doesn't make any better Humera. It just makes it worse."

"I'm sorry.", I whispered, looking down.

"Will that make it better? Will that save Dave?", he said, anger evident in his voice.

He glared at me while I held back my tears from rolling down my face. I knew I had to be strong. He was angry that he couldn't save Dave, and he was taking out his anger on me.

"Let me go check on Dave.", I whispered.

Before I could, he caught my hand, "To check what? Whether he's alive or not? Well he is."

The tears that I had tried holding back, now rolled down my cheeks freely. "I should go.", I mumbled. And before he could say anything I ran out of there.

How I wished Shehryaar was following me this time, trying to stop me. But the reality was that he wasn't. I got into the lift and waited for it to go down. The door opened and one of Shehryaar's guards stood there.

"Ma'am?", he asked, surprised.

I didn't answer, and walked out of the building as fast as I could, sobbing. I called out for a taxi, and got it into it, telling the driver the address.

Shehryaar's words played in my mind.

I was snapped back into reality when my phone rang. I wiped my tears, and pulled it out of my bag quickly, hoping it was Shehryaar.

It was Hussain.

"Humi!", he exclaimed as soon as I answered the call.

"Hus-sain.", I broke down.

His tone changed immediately, "Whats wrong?", he asked, quite concerned.

"Shehryaar.", I whispered.

"Where are you?", he asked.

"Going home.", I replied softly.

"I'll coming there."

***** ****** ****** ****** ******

I was in bed, crying my eyes out when Hussain barged in.

"What did he do?", he asked, angrily.

"No..", I started but he cut me off.

"Ssh. Don't say anything.", he said, and came and sat next to me.

I was about tell him about Dave when I remembered Shehryaar said that his family didn't know about Dave. I didn't know what to say.

Hussain grabbed my hand, "Is it about Dave?"

I looked at him in surprise, "You know?"

He nodded, "He told me last week."

Without saying anything, I broke down in front of him while he hugged me tight.

And before I knew I fell asleep.

The door opened, and without opening my eyes I said, "What happened Hussain?"

The reply came, but it wasn't Hussain's voice. It was Shehryaar's. "Humera."

I opened my eyes in surprise. He was nervous.

"Shehryaar?"

"You have to come with me.", he spoke, "Dave..."

Without even waiting for him to complete his sentence, I rushed out of my room following him.

He drove us to the apartment where Dave was.

I didn't even wait for him, instead I rushed out of the car and ran upto see Dave.

He lay on the bed, with many tubes attached to his body. His eyes, tired, and teary. He smiled at me.

"Humera.", he spoke, a mere whisper. "I missed you."

I broke down in tears, "I missed you too."

"Why did you leave?", he asked me.

I forced a smile, "I had some work to do. I'm sorry."

"Its okay.", he smiled. "But don't leave me ever again."

I nodded. "I promise, I wont."

I felt Shehryaar's presence behind me. I leaned back on him for support while he held me.

"Here.", Dave said, handing my a pieced of folded paper, "It's for you."

"What is it?", I asked.

"Read it when I'm not with you.", he spoke.

I cried, hoping I could stop all this. But I knew I couldn't. I watched helplessly as he slowly closed his eyes. The machine next to his bed stopped beeping.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and with shaky hands, I opened the piece of paper he gave me.

Humera,

You are amazing. I wish I had a daughter like you and a son like Shehryaar. I know I'm dying but I love you. I love you and Shehry the most. Please don't ever forget me.

Lots of love,

Dave.

****** ******* ******* ********

"Humera.", I heard Shehryaar's voice by the door. I was still on Dave's bed, staring at his face, hoping he'd open his eyes and smile at me. I didn't want him to go. I couldn't let him go. 

The machine next to his bed had stopped beeping quite some time back but I was refusing to let him go.

"Humi", I heard, and looked up to see Hussain standing along with Shehryaar.

"What?", I snapped.

"We need to go.", Shheyraar whispered, sorrow evident in his voice. Tears were rolling down his face uncontrollably.

"We cant leave Dave alone.", I yelled out.

"Humi.", Hussain spoke softly, "You have to let him go.", trying to calm me down.

"No!", I said looking back at Dave's face. He wasn't dead. He was just sleeping. Right?

I saw his letter in my hand. There was more written on the back.

Shehryaar came into the room and held his hand out for me. "C'mon let's go."

I shook my head. "No!"

"Humera.", he sighed, "Don't you want Dave to be happy?"

"Obviously.", I said. Why was he even asking me that question?

"Then when we have to leave. He needs to rest."

I finally agreed, nodding my head. Even though I didn't want to. 

Shehryaar picked my up and walked out of the room and took me to the adjacent bedroom.."Is this yours?", I asked him.

He nodded but didn't say anything.

"Are you angry with me?", I muttered.

"Of course not Humera.", he hugged me, rubbing my back.

After a moment I pulled back.

"Do you want to read the rest of the letter with me?", I asked him.

He didn't say anything but simply nodded.

I opened the paper once again, this time reading out loud.

I knew you and Shehryaar were together when he first brought you to the old age home to see me. I know him very well. If it wasn't for him, I probably would've died a long time ago.

He is my savior. He is my world.

He found me one day by the street. I was hungry, tired, and beaten up. Yes, beaten up. My kids beat me up because I had asked for some food. They told me that I was eating up their money in the form of my medicine bills. They beat me up and left meout there to die. That's when Shehry found me. He was so sweet to me. He took care of me. He gave me the love that I deserved.

Shehryaar loves you Humera. He will never say this to you. But trust me he does. Please don't leave him ever. Stay with him, forever and always.

Love.

Dave

I burst out in tears.

"Sleep Humera.", Shehryaar said trying to hold back his tears.

I shook my head. "No. You'll take Dave away when I'm asleep."

"I wont take him anywhere. Promise.", he gently kissed my forehead. "Now please sleep."

I obliged, "Okay."

"Good.", he whispered tucking me under the covers.

I closed my eyes, awaiting sleep to engulf me within itself. Sleep is the only thing that rids us of all our worries for sometime.

Shehryaar woke me up a few hours later. For Dave's funeral.

I knew he was watching us from above. He was probably even laughing at us for crying for him.

We were supposed to wear black for his funeral. But I chose to wear white. White signifies freedom and Dave was free from all his pain and sorrows of this world.

Shehryaar was dressed in all black.

After the funeral, he walked upto the front of the grave.

"Dave was a lovely man. I found him by the roadside once and had never left his side till date. He was a strong man. He was a father figure to me. He has changed me as a person. He has brought out the best in me.", he paused and looked up, "Buddy, you'll be my best friend always."

He then looked at me, "Do you want to say anything?"

I shook my head, "No."

Tears flowed down my face as I looked at the words engraved at the grave.

Dave.

***** Author's Note *****

Comment if you're crying right now. 

I am crying! :'(

Shoutout to bejeweled_30 @BhavanaBhavu0 for guessing it right. 

See you all soon with a new update. [Hint: Revelations from the past? :O]

Don't forget to vote and comment.

Love you all <3

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